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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Charlotte Coates

Romelu Lukaku hits out at Chelsea situation in explosive interview released before Liverpool

Romelu Lukaku has revealed he is ‘not happy’ with the situation at Chelsea as he questioned Thomas Tuchel’s tactics, in an interview released ahead of the clash with Liverpool

Chelsea take on Jurgen Klopp’s side at Stamford Bridge on Sunday with both sides in desperate need of a win to keep the Premier League title race alive.

Lukaku joined Chelsea in the summer from Inter Milan for a club-record fee of £97.5 million, but he is already talking of a return to the Italian champions.

The Belgian striker returned to action in Chelsea’s win over Aston Villa and added another goal to his tally in their 1-1 draw with Brighton on Wednesday night.

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It remains to be seen whether Lukaku will line up against Liverpool on Sunday - but he has given a controversial interview to a member of the Italian media that has just been published ahead of the game.

“Physically, I am fine. But I'm not happy with the situation [at Chelsea]. Tuchel has chosen to play with another system - I won't give up, I'll be professional,” Lukaku told Sky Sports .

“I am not happy with the situation but I am professional - and I can't give up now.”

It is unclear exactly when Lukaku spoke to Sky Italy. But Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph posted on Twitter: "Told the Lukaku interview took place around 3 weeks ago. That does not make what he said irrelevant but it does place important context on his frustration then v probably not so much frustration now".

In recent days, Lukaku also opened up on talks with Tuchel in an interview with ESPN.

He said: "Me and the coach, we had a couple of conversations about whatever he wanted from me.

"Obviously I told him I’m multidimensional. It’s just about having a bit of clarity about how he wants to use me. And then whatever he wants from me, I can do whatever aspects he wants for the game."

Lukaku helped Inter to the Serie A title and in the interview released today, he mentioned his ambitions to return to Italy.

"Now it's the right time to share my feelings. I have always said that I have Inter in my heart: I know I will return to Inter, I really hope so,” he added.

“I am in love with Italy, this is the right moment to talk and let people know what really happened.”

In a message to Inter fans, Lukaku continued: "First I want to say a big apology to the Inter fans because I think the way I left should have been different. I had to talk to you first, because the things you have done for me, for my family, for my mother, for my son, are things that remain for me in life.

"I really hope in the depths of my heart to return to Inter, not at the end of my career, but at a still good level to hopefully win more."

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