Romelu Lukaku has been dropped for Chelsea’s game against Liverpool.
In an interview recorded several weeks ago but aired on Thursday, Belgium striker Lukaku said he was “not happy” with his bit-part role under Blues boss Thomas Tuchel earlier this season.
“I’m not happy with the situation, this is normal,” said Lukaku at the time. “But I am a worker and I must not give up.”
He added he would like to return to Inter Milan, who he left for Chelsea in August, in the near future.
His move to Inter Milan in August 2019 was a huge success as he scored 64 goals in 95 appearances and helped the Nerazzurri end an 11-year wait for a Serie A title.
“I want to say a big apology to the Inter fans because I think the way I left should have been different,” he added in his Sky Sport Italia interview.
“I really hope in the depths of my heart to return to Inter, not at the end of my career, but at a still good level to hopefully win more.”
Tuchel said the comments had brought the club “noise we don’t need”.
Lukaku has scored seven goals in 18 appearances since he rejoined Chelsea this summer. He has also been hampered by injury and illness and, at times, found himself left out of the starting line-up when fit.
However, he has had a recent upturn in form, scoring in his last two Premier League appearances, after discussions about his role with Tuchel.