Inter Milan Sporting Director Reveals How Chelsea Owned Striker Left The Club: 'It Was More Civilized Than Reported, But We Would Have Kept Dzeko'

Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilio insists the departure of Romelu Lukaku wasn’t as dramatic as the media reported it.

The Belgian striker returned to the Nerazzurri in the summer of 2022 on loan from Chelsea following an unhappy year in London.

Last summer, the Serie A giants were working on keeping him on a permanent basis. However, the club later discovered that the 30-year-old and his lawyer were simultaneously negotiating with Juventus.

This put a sour end to Lukaku’s second stint at Appiano Gentile. He eventually ended up signing for AS Roma on loan.

Nevertheless, Ausilio reveals that the parties had actually reached a civilized closure, contrary to how the media portrayed it.

“Yes, there was a phone call that ended it all, but there had also been other calls,” said the Nerazzurri director in his interview with Fabrizio Biasin via FcInterNews.

“There were many fantasy stories in the media. There were also different signals. Romelu is a good lad.

“When we understood what was about to happen, we decided to close the chapter. It ended in a more civilized manner than was reported. He took his path and we took ours.”

Nevertheless, Ausilio admitted that the club would have kept Edin Dzeko had they about Lukaku’s intentions to leave.

“The only thing that really changed the strategies was the choice on Dzeko.

“Because during the course of the season, we understood that we can’t move forward with both. They took away space and playing time from each other.

“The first year went well because there was also Lukaku’s injury and Dzeko was very good.

|If there hadn’t been the Lukaku problem, we would have renewed Dzeko’s contract. Thuram would have arrived anyway.”

Piero Ausilio Explains How Romelu Lukaku & Inter Milan Parted Ways

In recent weeks, some reports claimed Inter are planning to have five strikers for next season.

However, Ausilio appeared coy on the notion, revealing how he prefers to rely on young players for extra depth.

“I don’t know. At the end of the season we will discuss the matter with the coach. This year we played with four forwards and it went well.

“I don’t see why we need to change. If there is the possibility of taking one of our young players as a fifth, to make him develop, it could be a good opportunity.

“Moreover, Mkhitaryan started his career as a second striker, then became an attacking midfielder.”

Biasin asked the Nerazzurri official if the young Valentin Carboni could be the fifth striker.

“Honestly, due to his qualities, he can easily stay at Inter. We have high expectations of him.

“However, we have to evaluate whether it is right to bring him here and perhaps give him little space or let him continue to grow outside.

“He did very well in Monza, he caught the attention of the Argentine national team.”

Ausilio Open To Valentin Carboni Return

Ausilio admitted that the club is keeping an eye on Genoa star Albert Gudmundsson.

“The only thing I said about Gudmundsson is that he is a quality player. We like him, as do Genoa who were very good at poaching him.

“However, we have Arnautovic under contract. We also have to do evaluations on Sanchez. And let’s not forget that we have Satriano out on loan. He is doing very well in France.

“There is also Oristanio in Cagliari, Carboni in Monza, the Espositos in Liguria, with Sebastiano who is doing very well at Sampdoria. We will calmly evaluate every situation.”

Finally, the Inter sporting director touched on Lautaro Martinez’s contract renewal.

“It’s a normal situation that occurs at all clubs when it comes to a key player. On an economic level, the valuation changes a lot so it takes time.

“But this doesn’t mean that the two parties aren’t in agreement. Lautaro is our captain, we are very happy with him. We said it many many times. He and his agent reiterated their intention to stay as well.