Inter Milan CEO takes shot at Lukaku over Chelsea move

The Italian champions accepted a big-money offer for their prolific frontman over the summer to ease their financial difficulties.

Inter Milan CEO Giuseppe Marotta has hit out at Romelu Lukaku saying he joined Chelsea only to “double his salary.”

Lukaku was a key contributor to Inter Milan’s Serie A success in 2020-21, and his departure served as a source of surprise for the fans.

It was expected that the Nerazzurri wouldn’t let go of their prized asset at any cost, but the financially struggling side gave in when Chelsea offered them a sum of £97.5 million (€115m).

Inter replaced him with an experienced goalscorer in Edin Dzeko, who is not letting the Serie A champions miss the Belgian marksman. Dzeko has scored seven goals and set up three more already in his first 11 games for the club and is fast proving to be a fitting replacement.

“Lukaku was sold for €115m and we bought Dzeko for free. On the pitch, there isn’t much difference,” said Marotta, speaking to Corriere della Sera.

“Lukaku left to double his salary, in Italy these figures can’t exist.

“Today, we can’t make important investments, I wouldn’t be allowed to sign Lukaku for €75m (£63m/$87m). We need reduced and specific investments.”