Romelu Lukaku called out by ex-Italian star after teasing Chelsea transfer drama

Pochettino believes Chelsea are 'building something'

Former Inter Milan defender Antonio Paganin has slammed Romelu Lukaku after he revealed that he would speak out about his summer transfer saga further down the line. The striker was desperate to leave Chelsea but appeared to snub several opportunities, including a return to I Nerazzurri, prompting widespread criticism.

Upon Mauricio Pochettino’s appointment as Chelsea manager, the ex-Tottenham boss made it clear that he would like to speak with Lukaku to learn about his situation and try and talk the player into returning to the Premier League. However, the decision was taken out of his hands.

After a sensational season in the Serie A, the striker was desperate to remain in Italy and thus demanded that his exit be facilitated. A return to Inter Milan was on the cards for the majority of the summer, though Simone Inzaghi’s side eventually pulled the plug on negotiations after it was revealed that the player was also in talks with rivals Juventus, fracturing his relationship with the club.

AS Roma eventually swooped to strike a deal with Chelsea, paying a £5million loan fee and having the option to sign the 30-year-old permanently for £37m. Lukaku has since stoked the fire around his exit though, claiming he will ‘speak in time’ and that people would be ‘shocked’ if he revealed all about the long-winded saga.

Don’t miss… England U21s destroy Serbia in nine-goal rout with Elliott and Madueke at double[LATEST]

On international duty, he said: “You know that I don’t like to beat around the bush. I will speak in time, but if I really said how it all went last summer everyone would be shocked. There were moments when I really could explode, five years ago I probably would have done that too. Now I have concentrated on what I can do best – playing football.”

Ex-Inter defender Paganin has now called out the Belgium international, telling him to speak now or ‘shut up’. The 57-year-old told TMW Radio: “I had appreciated the silence up until now. The moment you say, ‘I will speak’, the respect that was there disappears from me. We are certainly missing something, but now either you speak or you shut up.”

It is unclear as to whether Lukaku’s side of the story will shed a bad light on Chelsea, Inter or even Juventus considering that whilst negotiations for a move were ongoing, their ultras arrived at club facilities to protest against the potential deal and held signs that outlined that the forward was not welcome at the Allianz Arena.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Despite the off-field situation, Lukaku is continuing to impress on the pitch and has scored five goals in six Serie A appearances. The former Manchester United star has also stepped up on the European stage, scoring two goals in as many games in the Europa League.

With Tammy Abraham still sidelined with a serious ACL injury that he sustained in June, Roma boss Jose Mourinho will be hopeful that Lukaku can continue to be his side’s main attacking outlet and stay fit throughout the congested fixture schedule.

Source: Read Full Article