JAKARTA - Chelsea signed striker Romelu Lukaku for the second time on Thursday. The Belgian returns to the Premier League he left seven years ago.
Chelsea's official statement did not mention the amount of the player's transfer fee, but media reports said the contract was worth £97.5 million, which is a club record.
Lukaku has been signed from Inter Milan on a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
Welcome home, @RomeluLukaku9. #LukWhosBack pic.twitter.com/P43CAIVqfU
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 12, 2021
"It's been a long journey for me: I came here as a kid who still has a lot to learn, now I'm back with a lot of experience and more mature," Lukaku told Chelsea's official website as quoted by Antara, Friday.
"The relationship I have with this club means a lot to me, as you know. I've supported Chelsea as a kid and now I'm back and trying to help them win more titles is a great feeling."
Destination: London. #LukWhosBack pic.twitter.com/LOd9l4mkBW
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 12, 2021
The Belgium international left Inter after two successful seasons in Italy, where he scored 24 league goals as the Nerazzurri claimed their first Scudetto in 11 years last season.
Lukaku made 15 appearances for the Blues over two seasons before being loaned out to West Bromwich Albion in 2012-2013.
He was then sold to Everton the following year following his impressive appearance on loan at Goodison Park, having failed to score a single goal in a Chelsea shirt.
"The performances of this club match the ambition perfectly at the age of 28 and having just won Serie A," said Lukaku.
Back in blue. ️#LukWhosBack
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 12, 2021
"I think this opportunity has come at the right time and hopefully we can achieve a lot of success together.
"Since I left Chelsea it has been a long journey with many ups and downs, but this experience made me strong and the challenge is to try to help the team win more trophies. I can't wait to get started and help the club succeed."
Lukaku transformed at Milan after leaving Manchester United in August 2019, losing weight and finding form as he scored 64 goals in 95 games in all competitions over two seasons.
Teamed up with Argentine striker Lautaro Martinez, the Belgian, who was previously criticized for inconsistent displays during his two seasons at United, quickly became a key player in Antonio Conte's side.
He helped Inter finish runners-up in the league and Europa League in his debut season, before guiding the Nerazzurri to end Juventus' nine-game winning streak the following year.
His goals, assists and leadership of the player became the driving force for Inter's 19th title in the 2020-21 season, and its record of 24 league goals is in second place, only lost to Juventus' top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo who scored 29 goals.
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