Following his team’s 4-0 win over Brighton in the Europa League, Chelsea loanee Romelu Lukaku was asked about his future by the Italian media.
The Belgium international scored his team’s second goal in the 43rd minute in what was a disastrous evening for their opponents, and the striker continued his good form in the competition, taking this season’s tally to seven goals in nine games.
Chelsea loaned him for the season after a deal with Inter Milan and then Juventus broke down, but there is no option to buy, leaving his future up in the air, which is exactly why Sky Italia, relayed by FC Inter News, asked him about it.
He said: “I always try to give my best for Roma because I was in a difficult situation, many people don’t know what my situation was but I thank Roma so much for helping me. Would I like to stay for a long time? Guys, I don’t want any controversy in England, you know that (laughs). I have to be a bit intelligent, you see.”
At this point, it’s clear Chelsea do not want him back, as they would have kept him this season otherwise, but it remains to be seen if AS Roma can afford to keep him.
Much has been made about it in Italy, as the Blues want €43m for him to make sure they don’t make a loss, which the Serie A side can only afford if they qualify for the Champions League.
They are currently fifth in the league, four points behind Bologna, who are currently on a run of six unbeaten games.