18 September 2023 , 18:40
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Jose Mourinho has fired digs towards former clubs Manchester United, Chelsea and Inter Milan by claiming that Romelu Lukaku is “loved and wanted.”
The Belgian striker scored his first goal for Roma on Sunday as the Italian giants cruised to a 7-0 win over Serie A rivals Empoli. Lukaku scored the sixth goal of the game by tucking home from Andrea Belotti’s pass.
It signalled his first goal for the club since arriving in Rome on a season-long loan from Chelsea. When asked about Lukaku's strike, Mourinho suggested that the 30-year-old will thrive at the Stadio Olimpico now he is wanted, which did not appear to be the case with either the Blues or Manchester United.
Speaking to DAZN, Mourinho said: “I found him happy, Romelu needs to be happy, to feel loved and wanted. He arrived here and immediately felt that the team needed a player like him. I think he's really happy, he obviously likes to win and that's his nature.”
Mourinho also found time to fire a dig at another of his former clubs - Inter Milan. The Italian side had Lukaku on-loan last term and attempted to re-sign the striker this summer.
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However, they were unable to seal a deal for his services. It was suggested that rivals Juventus were interested, something that led the Inter ultras to publicly express their disdain for their former hero.
Romelu Lukaku celebrates his first goal for Roma (Getty Images)Did Chelsea make the right decision to loan Romelu Lukaku out? Share your thoughts in the comments below
“At Inter they have no reason to be angry because they won a derby 5-1 and have an extraordinary team, with many attackers,” Mourinho added. “They must be happy for their former coach who needed Romelu."
Lukaku is yet to give his thoughts on his first goal for his new club but expressed his excitement at representing the Italian side. Speaking to the club’s official website after his move was confirmed, he said: "The welcome I've received from this club and its fans has excited me and given me even more motivation to give my all for my new team.
"As an opponent, I felt the atmosphere of the Stadio Olimpico, and felt the warmth of the Romanisti. It's nice to know I'm a part of it today. I recently got the opportunity to speak with the owners, and I was impressed by their ambition.
"Now we must work, be humble, and grow game by game. For my part, I can't wait to be available to my teammates both on and off the pitch.”
Lukaku has a chance to add to his positive start to life with Roma next time as they do battle with Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League before a league clash with Torino. His former club Chelsea could certainly do with his services.
The Blues have won just once this season and were booed off after the weekend’s draw with Bournemouth. Lukaku still has three years left to run on his contract at Stamford Bridge.