Inter CEO questions Romelu Lukaku's desire to 'create controversy'
- Romelu Lukaku endured a hectic summer transfer window which ended with a loan to Roma
- Former Inter striker claimed the truth would shock fans
- Beppe Marotta is keen to move on from the whole saga
By Tom Gott
Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta has admitted he is keen to move on from the saga involving Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, urging the Belgian to do the same.
Lukaku spent last season on loan at Inter and was widely expected to return to the club again this summer, only for the Nerazzurri to ultimately pull out of talks and accuse Lukaku of secret negotiations with Juventus.
A move to Turin failed to materialise either and so Lukaku ended up joining Roma on a season-long loan, and he recently admitted the truth about the entire transfer saga would "shock" fans.
Speaking at the Trento Festival of Sport, Inter CEO Marotta offered a glimpse into his side of the story and questioned Lukaku's motives with his latest comments.
"For people like me who have experienced all sorts of situations, there's nothing to be afraid of," he said. "In football, the God of money reigns supreme, but now all that is in the past.
"When you have a relationship based on trust, it can turn into mistrust. But also disappointment as well. It's part of sport, a rich sport where money is king. Lukaku is part of our recent past. I look to the future, which is the most important thing.
"[Lukaku] is free to say what he wants. But I don't understand why he says things like that.
"Inter's decision to bring him in doesn't just depend on one single incident. It's based on a whole relationship of gratitude and respect. I don't see why he should create controversy."
Lukaku's loan with Roma does not include the option for a permanent transfer, meaning Jose Mourinho's side would have to negotiate another deal with Chelsea, who remain keen to part ways with the Belgian.
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