Thomas Tuchel never demanded the exit of Romelu Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku joined Inter Milan on a one-year loan deal.

The Belgian forward has returned to Inter Milan on a one-year loan after a disappointing second spell with Chelsea last season.

But Chelsea has signed Raheem Sterling who is obviously not a direct replacement to Lukaku but can fit Tuchel’s system better anyway.

Thomas Tuchel addressed the exit of Romelu Lukaku who reportedly demanded an exit for the Belgian star.

Tuchel told the Daily Mail: “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.

“Romelu made it very clear he wanted to leave and the owners took the decision to make the decision straight away.”

He added: “Disappointed is the wrong word. I don’t know a better word in English. It feels like I take it personally – it’s never personal. I am not happy that we couldn’t bring more out of him.

“Maybe it would have just taken a bit more time. A bit more fitness, a bit more adaptation in our game. Who knows?”

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