Inter Milan are disappointed that striker Romelu Lukaku will not be part of their squad for the start of the Serie A season this weekend, manager Simone Inzaghi said on Friday.
According to local media, the 30-year-old Belgian was set to leave Chelsea permanently after being loaned out to Inter last season. However, negotiations were cut short as he reportedly spoke with the club’s arch-rivals Juventus.
“I thank Lukaku for what he brought us last season. I wanted him here and I would have liked him to continue, but he made another decision,” Inzaghi told reporters.
“It’s disappointing how it ended as he was warmly welcomed by the Inter family.”
Inzaghi said he was largely happy with the club’s new acquisitions despite the departure of several key players, but still felt the absence of a centre-back.
André Onana, Marcelo Brozovic, Samir Handanovic, Milan Skriniar and Lukaku all left the club at the end of the season.
“The transfer window is complicated for almost everyone. We have lost some of the best players in their role in Italy, but we have signed players who have a promising future and who can help us.
Inter have signed defender Yann Bisseck and midfielder Davide Frattesi, as well as French striker Marcus Thuram.
