Romelu Lukaku’s summer switch from Manchester United to Inter Milan seemed like it was done on anything but good terms.
The Belgian was reportedly nursing an injury throughout the Reds’ pre-season tour, with many speculating that the striker was simply just not keen on pulling on the United shirt again.
Ever since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s arrival, it felt like Lukaku’s days were numbered despite being a good servant and a reliable goal scorer for the club. The consensus belief was that the former No. 9 did not fit the Norwegian’s system.
And so, following some controversy which included leaking the first-team’s training statistics and some controversial tweets, Lukaku bid farewell to Old Trafford after scoring 42 goals in 96 appearance in all competitions — and much to the delight of many fans.
As fate often wants it though, United looked to be on a collision course with Inter in the Europa League but the Reds failed to hold up their end of the deal with only the Italian side reaching the grand finale.
Lukaku has enjoyed a fantastic debut season under Antonio Conte this year, scoring 33 goals in 50 appearances in all competitions — including a brace against Shakhtar in the other EL semi-final on Monday.
Following the match, Lukaku was quizzed on his former club and their exit by English station BT Sport. And perhaps to the surprise of many, the Belgian marksman was extremely positive and upbeat about the Reds’ season and what the future may hold.
“No, I think United tried their hardest and I think they had a really good season,” Lukaku said after being asked if he was disappointed to see that he won’t face his former teammates in the final. “Ole did a good job, the players there did really well.”
The Belgian then also went on to compliment his former striker partners which was certainly a nice gesture that went down well with the United faithful.
“(Mason) Greenwood is coming through, (Anthony) Martial, (Marcus) Rashford, I expected all of that and I’m really happy for them. They look really good for next season, I have no doubts.”
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