31 August 2023 , 11:00
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Chelsea have made their thoughts on Romelu Lukaku abundantly clear after a brutally short farewell message.
The Belgian striker - formerly the Blues’ record signing - has departed Stamford Bridge once more. He has penned a season-long loan move to Italian giants Roma to reunite with former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho.
Chelsea are reportedly set to receive around £8m in a loan fee for the campaign. It is the second time in as many seasons that the striker has been sent out on a temporary basis after a move to Inter Milan last term. Chelsea confirmed his move on Thursday with a brutally short statement.
It read: “Romelu Lukaku has completed a season-long loan move to Serie A club A.S. Roma. The Belgium international, who joined Chelsea in the summer of 2021, spent the previous campaign on loan at Inter Milan.
“Lukaku will link up in the Italian capital with former Chelsea head coach Jose Mourinho, who guided Roma to the Europa League final last season.”
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Their latest statement is dramatically shorter than their confirmation of Lukaku’s move to the San Siro this time last year with the 30-year-old scoring 14 goals in all competitions.
Romelu Lukaku has sealed a loan move to Roma (Getty Images)How many goals do you think Lukaku will score for Roma? Share your thoughts in the comments below
That followed a season in which he netted 15 goals for the Blues during the 2021/22 campaign. He will certainly be aiming to find some positive form during his spell with Roma.
Speaking after making his move to the Italian capital, 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 now appears highly unlikely to have a future with Chelsea. Once his loan with Roma expires, he will have just two years left on his contract in West London.
He could potentially make his debut for his new employers this week as Roma host AC Milan at the Stadio Olimpico on Friday evening. Lukaku could then be in line for a return to former club Inter in late October.