Lukaku apologises for fallout with Tuchel, will be up for selection vs Tottenham

Romelu Lukaku, in a video message, apologised for going public with his unhappiness with Chelsea. The striker said that he will do his best to show commitment every day on the training ground and win games for the Premier League club. 

“To the fans, I’m sorry for the upset that I caused. You guys know the connection that I have with this club since my teenage years so I totally understand you guys being upset,” said Lukaku, in a video posted by Chelsea on social media.

Also read: Christian Eriksen wants to play at Qatar 2022, says he is back to full fitness

“Obviously, it’s up to me now to restore your trust and I’ll do my best to show commitment every day on the training ground and trying to make sure we win games,” the Belgian added. 

The 28-year-old had in a Sky Sports interview said that he was “not happy with the situation” at Chelsea and indicated he had issues with Tuchel’s style of play.

“To the manager I apologised and I said it to my team-mates and the board, because I think it was not the right moment (to do the interview). I want to move forward from this and make sure that we start winning football games and I perform for the best team in the best manner,” Lukaku said. 

Also read: Formula 1: Mick Schumacher pays birthday tribute to father Michael Schumacher

He further insister that the interview was  only ever designed as a respectful goodbye to Inter Milan fans. 

“Because the interview was about saying goodbye to the Inter fans, it was not about trying to disrespect the (Chelsea) fans, the football club, the owner, my team-mates, the technical staff.”

Lukaku was left out of the Chelsea squad when the Champions League 2020/21 champs played Liverpool in a high-octane 2-2 draw on Sunday. 

The player held talks with Tuchel on Monday and will return to training, putting him in contention to play in Wednesday’s first-leg game against Tottenham in the English League Cup semifinals.

“We have had enough time to clear the air and move on,” Tuchel said.

“He is very aware,” he added of Lukaku, “of what happened and what he created and he feels the responsibility to clean the mess up. Maybe we will have a bit of smell still from it, of course. He can handle it. He has no other choice.”

Also read: Washington’s NFL team to reveal new name on February 2; won’t be RedWolves

Tuchel said he believes Lukaku can regain the trust of the club, his teammates and the fans, and have a long-term future at a club where he arrived in the offseason from Inter Milan for $135 million on a five-year deal for a second spell.

“Before the interview, I never had the slightest doubt he is not committed because his actions on the pitch, off the pitch and in his private life all go in the same direction,” Tuchel said. “He is an emotional guy. He doesn’t hold back with his opinions and sometimes he carries his heart on his tongue.”

“Does this reflect the overall mood and attitude that he shows? Absolutely clear no. Was the intention to create trouble? Was the intention to leave the club? Was the intention to put pressure on the coach? Absolutely no. I cannot see it. Of course he should have known better. That’s what we have to clean and clear the air together.”

If Lukaku does return to the team against Tottenham, he will take on an opponent managed by Antonio Conte, who got the best out of the striker during their time together at Inter.

Also read: NBA reschedules postponed games, makes other adjustments

After opening his second stint with Chelsea with four goals in his first four games, Lukaku had to wait nearly three months for his next goal, in which period he had six weeks out injured and also contracted the coronavirus.

Lukaku had, though, scored in three of his last four games before getting dropped against Liverpool.

“It’s about adaption — adaption to the league, adaption to a different team, to different teammates, and then comes injury and COVID,” Tuchel said.

“We are in a totally normal place with him. And he is willing to learn, to adapt. He comes to the most intense league in the world and it takes time. He was in the latest games very decisive and we have no doubts he will be a big influence and have a big impact.”

With inputs from the Associated Press.