Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku has made a return to the Italian top flight after he signed for Serie A side AS Roma in a season-long move from Chelsea on Thursday, August 31, 2023.

Lukaku is no stranger to Serie A, having spent the previous season with Inter Milan and contributing to their journey to the Champions League final.

“The welcome that this club and these fans gave me thrilled me and represents a further incentive to give everything for my new team,” Lukaku said.

Opting for a move to Roma, the 30-year-old reportedly declined a lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League.

His decision was fueled by the warm reception he received from the club and its fans, which, in his words, motivated him to fully dedicate himself to the new challenge.

What adds a unique layer to this reunion is his collaboration with coach Jose Mourinho, a relationship that originated during his tenure at Manchester United and Chelsea.

Lukaku’s respect for Mourinho and the club’s ambition prompted him to embrace a wage cut for this opportunity.

Reflecting on his trajectory, Lukaku expressed his anticipation to support his teammates both on and off the field while acknowledging Roma’s enthusiasm to elevate their competitiveness.

“Now we have to work, be humble, and grow game after game. For my part, I can’t wait to make myself available to my teammates, on and off the field,” he said.

Lukaku’s journey has traversed the highs of winning championships with Anderlecht, clinching honours like the FA Cup and Club World Cup with Chelsea and securing Scudetto, Italian Cup, and Italian Super Cup titles with Inter.

His recent return to Chelsea for £97.5 million didn’t pan out as expected, leading him to this rejuvenating stint at Roma.

Before that, he had sought refuge at Inter Milan but he has now broken the relationship by flirting with Juventus who eventually turned him down.