Romelu Lukaku played a key role in helping Inter Milan win the title last season, scoring 24 goals and registering 10 assists in 36 league matches.
Antonio Conte left the San Siro back in May and Simone Inzaghi was appointed as his successor. The striker had initially stated he wanted to continue with the Nerazzurri and play under the new manager, only for him to change his stance and return to Chelsea in August.
Lukaku’s decision to leave the Serie A winners left a large section of Inter fans frustrated since the San Siro side were losing their best player of last season. His agent, Federico Pastorello, has again insisted it was not easy for his client to leave the Italian club.
“We [him and Lukaku] have received a lot of criticism from the Nerazzurri fans, but unfortunately when these things happen, they cause sorrow,” the agent told Sky Italia, relayed by FcInterNews.
“The truth is that the decision to leave Inter was much more painful than what people think, so much so that we really discussed it a lot.
“I am sincere in saying that we went ahead with this negotiation only because on the other side there was another club that represented a lot for Romelu.
“From an emotional and personal point of view it was very difficult, but I repeat: Chelsea looked for him with great desire and this was certainly very important for Romelu and in the choice he made.
“Football goes on, Inter are now first in the standings, thanks also to the new players, so in this sense we are all happy.”
The Belgium international’s sale to the Blues helped the Serie A winners raise funds, while the west London club were able to bring in a new No.9 after letting Olivier Giroud and Tammy Abraham leave Stamford Bridge in the same window.
When asked if Lukaku’s transfer to Chelsea is the one he’s proudest of, Pastorello said: “Let’s say that clearly also due to the difficulty, the economic level reached, it is an operation that made me very proud, as it made me proud to have brought him to Italy from [Manchester] United, another very very complicated negotiation.”
