The collaboration between Lukaku and Conte has been sweet for Inter Milan, but the striker’s relationship with Tuchel is said to be disharmonious
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has reportedly joked about Romelu Lukaku’s relationship with his former Inter Milan coach, Antonio Conte, which has offended the striker.
The Belgian national team striker became the most expensive player The Blues when signed for £100m last summer, but failed to adapt to Tuchel’s scheme.
In the previous season, Lukaku scored 30 goals for Nerazzurri Conte’s care and led them to their first Serie A title in 11 years.
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His relationship with Tuchel at Chelsea was not as harmonious as that of Conte, and now Todd Boehly — the new owner The Blues — decide to return Lukaku to Inter, who is now trained by Simone Inzaghi.
The estrangement of Tuchel and Lukaku’s relationship has been an open secret throughout the season, but the German coach had openly said he would work with the ex-Manchester United bomber next season.
He said: “These are the players we have and Romelu is still playing a big part in our plans.”
“I feel he is very motivated, very strong in training, very involved when we play. He is a winner and will remain a winner and remains important for us.”
However, it has now been revealed that Tuchel joked about Conte’s close relationship with Lukaku.
Talk to Italian Football Podcastjournalist Nizaar Kinsella revealed: “Someone told me… Romelu Lukaku was chatting with Thomas Tuchel while watching Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League game, and Tuchel said ‘Oh, your father’ about Antonio Conte.”
“He was really just kidding, but [Lukaku] offended.”
