Romelu Lukaku faces an uncertain future at Chelsea, with Mauricio Pochettino omitting the striker from the first-team
Romelu Lukaku posts cryptic nine-word message amid Chelsea striker dilemma (Image: Photo by ANP via Getty Images)
Romelu Lukaku has posted a cryptic message on social media as he struggles to find a new club. The 30-year-old striker has been heavily linked with an exit from Chelsea this summer after learning that he’s not in Mauricio Pochettino’s plans.
At the start of the month, Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilio confirmed the Italian giants’ intent to sign Lukaku. However, according to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Nerazzurri have now pulled the plug on a potential deal after learning that the Belgium international has been entertaining talks with Juventus behind their back.
The report states that Ausilio informed Lukaku of Inter’s decision in a 30-second phone call last week. With the Belgian reportedly leaning towards a move to Turin, he seems to have tarnished his reputation at the San Siro where he was once a fan-favourite.
After reportedly turning his back on Inter, the club’s notorious Curva Nord ultras branded him a ‘vile cheap mercenary’ and accused him of ‘betrayal’ in a frightening statement. The message reads: “Those who betrayed you will do it again, not because they enjoy it, but because it falls within their nature.
“Yes, because you Romelu betrayed all of us, who defended you to the sword during your difficult period. We defended you when the fans of the team that sought you mocked you, now you repay us with a stab worthy of Brutus.
“You kissed the badge that is worth more than our lives to us and now like a vile cheap mercenary, you’re selling yourself to the highest bidder. Before being a champion you have to be a man. And you’re not.”
Fast-forward a couple of days and Lukaku has finally broken his silence on social media – but it remains to be seen whether there’s any correlation or not. On Instagram, the Belgian wrote: “When that hate don’t work they start telling lies…”
Interestingly, Lukaku’s post came just two hours after a French report broke claiming that Chelsea are interested in Kylian Mbappe. According to RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins, the Blues are interested in the Paris Saint-Germain star and they’re exploring the ‘feasibility’ of a potential transfer.
The report states that one other Premier League side are also interested in Mbappe, who wants to see out his contract at Les Parc des Princes. RMC Sport add that Al-Hilal submit a €200m (£173.1m) bid to PSG for his signature, with a €400million (£346.2m) contract over two years.
Soucre: football.london