Tuchel speaks on Lukaku’s departure, says he never asked him to leave

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has opened up on the situation that surrounded Romelu Lukaku’s departure from the club this summer.

Lukaku left Chelsea to return to Italian side Inter Milan on loan after struggling to impress.

Tuchel in a statement told The Telegraph he never said he wanted Lukaku out of Stamford Bridge.

The Belgian, who said he was disappointed, added that he wished the Belgian striker had put it more effort as he willing to help him become a better player if he had stayed back.

According to Tuchel, when Lukaku made clear his intention to leave, the club had to give in.

“It was always a possibility he stayed, but Romelu made it very clear he wanted to leave and the owners took the decision to make the decision straight away.

“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? But we will not find out. 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.”