‘unacceptable’ – Director can’t believe Chelsea allowed ‘impossible’ striker robbery this summer

‘unacceptable’ – Director can’t believe Chelsea allowed ‘impossible’ striker robbery this summer

Roma manager Tiago Pinto admitted signing Romelu Lukaku was “impossible” at one point, but Jose Mourinho was “very important” in promoting the Chelsea move.

The Blues look set to fire Lukaku throughout the summer. The striker did not play in pre-season as he was loaned to Inter Milan last season.

Furthermore, new boss Mauricio Pochettino has signed two central strikers, which means there’s no need for Lukaku. A return to Serie A seems very likely as Juventus and Roma both want to entice the Belgian striker. However, after Juventus’ departure, all chances for Lukaku to leave may have disappeared as Roma coach Pinto revealed that despite their great interest, the deal has not been possible for them for some time. .

“A deal with Lukaku was impossible for us in June and July. Impossible,” he said, quoted by Fabrizio Romano.

However, Pinto credits manager Mourinho and the club’s owners as the driving force behind this change and the signing of the deal.

Pinto added: “Mourinho played a key role in achieving this, it took four to five days to convince Lukaku…then our owner, Frienkdin, started negotiations with Chelsea and indeed it was. unblocked the negotiations.” Lukaku eventually joined the club on loan, with Roma paying around £8m for the season. It makes sense for Mourinho to be at the helm of the deal, as his relationship with Chelsea could help his team reach an agreement.

Not only that, but also the coach’s shared desire to sign Lukaku and the ability to convince him to do so. Mourinho worked with the striker at Chelsea and Manchester United, and the striker enjoyed a fine season during Mourinho’s last full spell at Old Trafford.

Indeed, during the 2017/18 season, under his guidance, Lukaku scored 16 Premier League goals and provided seven assists, helping United to second in the table. That said, if anyone can bring out the Belgian’s full potential after his recent difficult spell, it’s probably Mourinho. Playing in a supportive environment under a manager who knows him well, in a league he loves to play in, can help him find his place.

Chelsea are definitely more interested in selling Lukaku because they got nothing from him after paying around £98m for him two years ago, but he still has a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge so if he plays well, all that can be overcome.