Thomas Tuchel Denies Wanting Romelu Lukaku Chelsea Departure

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has opened up on the departure of Romelu Lukaku.

The 29-year-old joined Inter Milan on a season-long loan less than a year since making a club-record move to Chelsea.

Joining for £97.5 million last summer, Lukaku failed to live up to his price tag as he netted 15 goals in all competitions and failing to hit double figures in the Premier League.

The forward conducted an unauthorised interview with Italian media, stating that he dreamed of a move back to Inter one day.

This led to his exclusion from the team for much of the second half of the season, with his relationship with Tuchel said to be strained.

Romelu Lukaku warming up before the Premier League match between Chelsea and Watford at Stamford Bridge. (Alamy)

The Chelsea head coach has opened up on the Belgian’s departure, admitting that he wouldn’t have minded if Lukaku had stayed at the club but the forward’s decision to leave was accepted by co-owner Todd Boehly and the head coach.

As quoted by Adam Newson of football.london, Tuchel said: "There was never a meeting where I said, ‘I want this guy out'. Never.

"I was always clear: if he stays we will do everything to put him in a better place, to put him in better shape, to improve my style of coaching, our style of playing, to make him a better fit.

"It was always a possibility he stayed but Romelu made it very clear he wants to leave and the owners took the decision straight away.”

The German continued to admit that he wishes that he could have helped Lukaku perform better and live up to the heights he showed during his time in Italy.

"I'm unhappy that we couldn’t bring more out of him,” he continued. “Maybe it would have just taken a bit more time.

"A bit more fitness a bit more, like, stiffness and adaption in our game. Who knows? 

“But we will now not find out.

Thomas Tuchel and Romelu Lukaku share a joke. (Alamy)

"Once Romelu gave his clear opinion on the situation and there was a solution on the table the owners made their choice and had my blessing."

However, Lukaku chose to re-join Inter on an initial season-long loan for the upcoming campaign.

The forward could return to Stamford Bridge next season, with no option to buy included in his deal.

It remains to be seen as to if the Italians will choose to sign Lukaku on a permanent, with a reported second loan deal being looked at for the following season before a permanent sale could be considered.