Ever since making his Stamford Bridge return, Romelu Lukaku is yet to put on a display that is symptomatic of his fierce exploits as seen during his stint at Inter Milan.
And perhaps the blame lies in the kind of system Thomas Tuchel employs at Chelsea, which doesn’t compliment Lukaku’s style of play, as revealed by the Belgian striker in a rather startling interview.
Appearing for Sky Italia (via BBC), the 28-year-old professed his love for the Nerazzurri, while also hinting at his displeasure with Tuchel’s tactics, despite pledging to remain professional as long as playing for the Blues.
Suffice to say, the responses to the contentious comments were immediate and understandably dramatic, with Twitterati having a field day at Lukaku’s expense.
Blue wrath
The most predictable reaction was that of those who felt Lukaku was perhaps being ungrateful to Chelsea, having joined the club for a whopping record £100m.
And his stay at the West London outfit amounting to less than only 6 months so far doesn’t warrant such ungracious quotes, as pointed out by a fan.
Mistranslated or not you don’t say things like that less than 6 months after joining for £100m. A club record fee. Don’t even give the opportunity for comments like this to get out.
— CFCDaily (@CFCDaily) December 30, 2021
Klopp control
Supporters of other clubs weren’t far behind in tendering their opinion, as one Liverpool fan made a point about Jurgen Klopp’s ability to maintain cohesion within his ranks, something he appeared to insinuate was lacking on Tuchel’s part.
Klopp ability to keep squad harmony and unity > 👊🏽 #LFC
— Grizz Khan (@GrizzKhan) December 30, 2021
Tammy > Rom
Other reactions were in line with those who felt Lukaku was outright wrong in responding the way he did, comparing his situation with another former Blue Tammy Abraham, who didn’t have much to say despite not being fancied at Chelsea.
tammy abraham had it worse and not one bad word about the club came out his mouth
— 44 (@itsprxya) December 30, 2021
‘We told you so’
Some also made known the show of similar behaviour while Lukaku was at Manchester United, with the striker reacting unceremoniously when questions were levelled at his work ethic and fitness.
Nah Lukaku is actually bad vibes though. When things went wrong for him at United he even started leaking stuff to the media loool
— ً (@utdcynical) December 30, 2021
Lukaku leaked private fitness tests and started posting topless pics on snapchat when some United fans questioned his fitness loool he’s always been like this
— RiZzy🔴 (@RiZzyUTD) December 30, 2021
Memed
And memes, as ever, based on Lukaku’s desire to return to Inter were icing on the cake, as far as neutral observers are concerned.
Lukaku on leaving Chelsea pic.twitter.com/eumRv9GIDB
— Danny (@DannyAaronsFUT) December 30, 2021
Lukaku begging Inter to take him back pic.twitter.com/5YjgGw2uWU
— Kendall Rowan (@kendallrowanx) December 30, 2021
In any case, the Belgian international might have made the situation worse for himself by saying things which, in retrospect, perhaps were better left unsaid.
