Romelu Lukaku has posted a heartfelt message on social media addressing Inter Milan's defeat to Manchester City in the Champions League final. The 29-year-old striker, who didn't exactly cover himself in glory in Istanbul, faces an increasingly uncertain future at Chelsea, with a move to the Nerazzurri or Saudi Arabia said to be on the cards.
In what could be his final game for Inter, he denied Federico Dimarco from netting an equaliser in the dying embers of the game. Devastated by his performance and the result, Lukaku poured his heart out on Instagram and wrote: "First of all thank you to all the Inter fans for the love and support throughout the season.
"You guys stood by us through every moment and personally I want to thank you for that. It wasn’t meant to be. We gave it all. That’s a s*** feeling for all of us that love this beautiful club… But this club has hunger and we will fight to hopefully reach that moment of glory one day."
Despite the Belgium international suggesting that he could return to the San Siro next season, he could be steered towards a move to Saudi Arabia instead following the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. According to Goal, Lukaku spoke to Al Hilal officials on Monday.
The report states that Chelsea are open to offloading the Belgian and could demand around £43million. Goal add that Al Hilal are 'reluctant' to meet the Blues' asking price but they're open to negotiations.
Inter are eager to wrap up a deal to sign Lukaku permanently too, with club president Steven Zhang publicly admitting his desire to keep the striker beyond the conclusion of his season-long loan. He said: "He showed great attachment to Inter.
"He loves Inter, that's very clear. He's an amazing guy. But the guy has a contract with Chelsea, so we have to wait to talk to them to understand."
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While Chelsea could be short on options in attack if Lukaku leaves, Frank Leboeuf has insisted that the Belgian must be sold at all costs. Speaking on the Si & Dan Talk Chelsea podcast, the former Blues defender said: "I think he knows he wont be successful here so he’s already said he doesn’t want to come back.
"I think he’s already made up his mind, so he shouldn’t come back. If you don’t want to play for a club anymore then don’t play, and the club has to do everything to get rid of him.
"I know he was a lot of money, but get rid of him because he doesn’t want to be here. Fans will be resentful, so as soon as he plays poor he will be booed and there will be a big dramas, so what’s the point?
"Try to get rid of him, shake hands and say goodbye, that’s it. I wish him the best; I love Lukaku, and I really hope that he will be successful and hopefully he will find his happiness at Inter, and we can get somebody else."
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