"I told him..." - Arsenal legend Henry warned player against joining Chelsea as Potter claim made

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has revealed he warned Romelu Lukaku against joining Chelsea in 2021.

Lukaku was signed by Thomas Tuchel in the summer of 2021 for an eye-watering £97.5million.

The 29-year-old experienced a fast start on his return to Stamford Bridge, scoring four goals in his first four appearances.

However, his form soon took an almighty downturn, as he was pushed out of the team following a controversial interview with Sky Italia.

During the interview, the Belgian admitted to his love for Inter Milan, whilst criticising Tuchel's tactics.

Despite issuing a public apology to the manager and fans, Lukaku was unable to regain his prolific form, and returned to Inter on a season-long loan.

Lukaku finished the year on another low, missing four costly chances to send Belgium crashing out of the World Cup in Qatar.

Henry warned Lukaku about joining Chelsea

However, Henry, who worked with Lukaku in Belgium's national team, knew he would "find it difficult" at the west London club.

Henry told CBS Sports: “We had a discussion when he went to Chelsea.

“I told him he’s going to find it difficult to play at Chelsea and that happened to be the case because of the way Tuchel liked to play.

“Pressing, the No 9 and winger have to change, Rom likes to stay where he is, feed him, play him early, he will try to bully you, turn, stay in the box, crosses, he’s a different type of No 9 to what Tuchel wanted.

Henry also hinted that Lukaku would struggle within Graham Potter's side, who have scored just once in their last five matches in all competitions.

"Now, is he going to fit into what Potter is trying to do?", the Frenchman continued. "I think they're struggling with that, let alone with him in the squad.

"But what does he want to do? I don't think he wants to go back, that's the main thing, I think he wants to stay at Inter.

"And that's where there's maybe going to be a little clash if they want him back because I think he wants to stay there.

"The way when he came back. He said it, he said it the other day, 'everyone knows what I want to do, what I want to do is to stay'."

Topics: Romelu Lukaku, Chelsea, Thierry Henry, Football, Inter Milan, Premier League

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno