Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku is enjoying a rich vein of form while on loan with Roma from Chelsea
Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku has subtly hinted at the possibility of returning to Chelsea at the end of his current his loan spell at AS Roma, suggesting a possible desire for a more permanent stay with the Italian club.
Lukaku's Positive Experience at Roma
Speaking after Roma's UEFA Europa League match against Brighton where he scored to help the Gialorossi claim a healthy 4-0 first-leg win, Lukaku expressed his appreciation for the atmosphere at the club.
He told reporters, “Here at AS Roma it’s all different, here the fans love me. I’m doing my best as this club helped me”.
Careful Consideration of Future
When asked about his future and the impending expiry of his loan deal from Chelsea in June, Lukaku maintained a cautious stance. With a smile, he said, “I have to be careful with those answers!”. Lukaku's diplomatic response hinted at a desire to avoid any controversies with his parent club back in England. He added, “I don’t want any controversy with them in England! I have to be smart, you know what I mean”.
In a particularly intriguing remark, Lukaku hinted at his desire for stability. When questioned if he had learned any lessons, he cryptically stated, “Did I learn the lesson? Let me go, guys… I have to stay”. This statement suggests Lukaku's willingness to explore the possibility of a more permanent arrangement with Roma.
Lukaku's Loan Spell at Roma
Lukaku signed for Roma on loan from Chelsea, marking his second consecutive loan spell since his £97.5 million move to Stamford Bridge. After spending the 2022/23 season on loan with Inter Milan, Lukaku has found himself in and out of form for Roma. However, he still boasts an impressive record of 18 goals in 34 matches in all competitions.
The future remains uncertain for Lukaku, with Chelsea likely to demand a substantial fee for his permanent move to Roma. The Blues will seek to recoup some of the money spent on his acquisition from Inter Milan, as well as address any financial fair play considerations.
As the season progresses and Lukaku continues to impress in Italy, the speculation surrounding his future is expected to intensify. For now, Lukaku's subtle hints suggest that he may be open to extending his stay at AS Roma, provided the circumstances align favorably for all parties involved.