After his controversial interview last week where he criticised head coach Thomas Tuchel’s tactics and said he was unhappy with the “situation” at the club, Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku has issued a public apology to fans, the club and his coach.
The Belgium international — who played for Italian club Inter Milan before signing for Chelsea for a club-record fee of $131 million — told Sky Italy last week that he would like to return to the country some time in the future.
Among the Chelsea faithful, the unauthorised interview sparked controversy and led to Tuchel dropping Lukaku from the squad ahead of the club’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool on Monday.
In a video released on the club’s website, Lukaku apologised to fans for the upset his interview had caused.
“I totally understand,” Lukaku told Chelsea TV.
“I think I should have been clearer in my message. The interview was about saying goodbye to the Inter fans. It was not about trying to disrespect the fans, the football club, the owner, my teammates and the manager.
“They did a lot of effort to bring me back here. I wanted to come back. I was on a mission since I left. I totally understand the frustrations of the fans. Now it’s on me to show my commitment at 100 per cent.
“They don’t need to question it. I always said I wanted to come here to be successful. Chelsea is a club that is equal to success. All players come here win and I have a special passion for this club.
“To the fans: I’m sorry for the upset I’ve caused. You guys know the connection I have with this club since my teenage years. Also, to the manager I apologise, and to my teammates and the board. I want to move on forward from this.”
The striker held private talks with Tuchel on Tuesday and has since resumed training and has been recalled for Thursday’s League Cup semi-final first leg clash against Tottenham.
“We have given it time to look calmly back on,” Tuchel told reporters. “He apologised and is back in the squad for today’s training.
“For me, the most important thing was to understand — and clearly understand — it was not intentional. He did not do this intentionally to create this kind of noise in front of a big game.
“He is an emotional guy. He does not hold back with his opinion. It created some noise that you don’t want but there are zero doubts in his commitment to the team.”
Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah will miss the game against Spurs due to a hamstring injury, while doubts also linger over fellow defender Andreas Christensen and striker Timo Werner.
The Blues currently sit second on the Premier League ladder, 10 points behind leaders Manchester City and one point above third-placed Liverpool.
