Romelu Lukaku’s actions as he allegedly persists in seeking a move to Juventus have drawn criticism from Inter Milan vice president Javier Zanetti.
The association between Chelsea striker Lukaku and Inter Milan, where he spent the previous season on loan, reportedly deteriorated earlier in the summer as the Belgian player indicated his desire for a transfer to Juventus.
This came despite Inter Milan’s aspirations to secure his permanent signing.
Javier Zanetti, the esteemed former Inter midfielder, has strongly criticised the 30-year-old forward for his behaviour.
Lukaku had previously expressed affection for the club, stating that he loved it and praising its “best fans in the world.” However, Zanetti’s comments imply Lukaku’s actions have contradicted his earlier sentiments.
The Inter chief told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “Given what Inter has done for him, we expected him to behave differently, as a professional and as a man. He has the right to go where he wants, of course, but he could have told us that beforehand. Nobody is bigger than the club, and when building a team, you always have to consider who you are bringing into the dressing room.”
Lukaku is likely to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, but his future is currently uncertain.
The former Manchester United attacker, whose contract at Chelsea expires in 2027, may have tarnished his reputation with the Serie A side as he reportedly stopped answering phone calls from the club.
At the same time, he opened talks with Juventus over a potential switch, and his actions have sparked outrage from fans of Inter and the Bianconeri.
Lukaku and Chelsea agreed he would not link up with the first-team squad earlier this summer, and the club have all but confirmed his exit after not giving him a squad number.
The Blues start their season against Liverpool on Sunday, August 13, whereas Inter’s campaign begins against Monza on Saturday, August 12.