Jose Mourinho said Chelsea loanee Romelu Lukaku "needs to feel loved" after seeing him net his first goal for Roma.
WHAT HAPPENED? Lukaku joined Roma on a season-long loan from Chelsea in late August, with his former manager at Manchester United and the Blues reportedly sealing the deal with a convincing phone call. The Belgian has struggled for consistency over the past two seasons, but Mourinho explained how to get the best out of him following his goal in Roma's 7-0 rout of Empoli on Sunday. He also quipped Inter Milan have "no reason to be angry" at Lukaku because they have a wealth of attacking options, despite the fact the striker snubbing the chance to join Simone Inzaghi's team on a permanent deal in ignominious fashion.
WHAT THEY SAID: Mourinho told DAZN: “I found him happy, Romelu needs to be happy, to feel loved and wanted. He arrived here and immediately felt that the team needed a player like him. I think he's really happy, he obviously likes to win and that's his nature. At Inter they have no reason to be angry because they won a derby 5-1 and have an extraordinary team, with many attackers. They must be happy for their former coach who needed Romelu."
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Ever since Lukaku's £98 million ($121m) move to Chelsea from Inter Milan in August 2021, the 6ft 3in forward has drawn criticism for his inconsistent displays in the final third. The 30-year-old only scored 15 times for Chelsea in 2021-22 and 14 times for Inter on loan last term. If Mourinho can get the best out of Lukaku - and he can stay fit - he could be a force on the elite stage once more.
WHAT NEXT? Roma kickstart their Europa League campaign on Thursday against Moldovan side Sheriff, with Lukaku in line to lead the attack once again.
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. RIPDiogo Jota , Andre Silva Rest in peace Diogo Jota1996-2025 Beautiful image It's been 11 years since the iconic "The Last Game" by Nike was released...Only the OGs remember this legendary animated ad film!One of the greatest ad films ever made!We're getting old... How to scout each team's players Brighton whenever Chelsea call USA VS. MEXICO IN THE GOLD...
Paul Pogba has said that he hopes to make a return to the French national team but added that there are "stages" to the process, as he was officially presented by AS Monaco on Thursday.The former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder signed for the Ligue 1 club on a free transfer after serving an 18-month doping ban, after testing positive for DHEA, which boosts testosterone levels."It's the w...
WHAT HAPPENEDThere has been various levels of speculation in recent days about the possibility of Lionel Messi leaving MLS at the end of his contract, even though Inter Miami are confident that they will be able to extend his deal.Former MLS and USMNT star Herculez Gomez said, even if the odds are low against a departure, Messi leaving Miami would ring alarm bells for the league."House of cards cr...
Diogo Jota's body will return to Portugal ahead of the Liverpool player's funeral proceedings starting tomorrow (Friday) afternoon. The Portuguese international died in a car crash alongside his brother Andre Silva while the pair were in Spain.The incident happened in the early hours of Thursday morning, with the car they were travelling in said to have veered off the road and set on fire. Police ...
Newcastle on brink of £55m deal for Premier League starNewcastle United have stepped up their efforts to secure the services of Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga, lodging a substantial £55 million (€64m/$75m) offer for the 23-year-old.Ex-Arsenal star Ramsey signs for PumasAaron Ramsey, the former Arsenal midfielder, has joined Liga MX Side Pumas.Al-Nassr eye shock £73m s...
Barcelona 'pessimistic' about Nico Williams transferBarcelona are reportedly 'pessimistic' about being able to get the Nico Williams deal done after encountering several major financial difficulties.Barcelona have been pushing to sign the 22-year-old all summer but are now starting to realise the gravity of their financial situation.Athletic Club aren’t budging on their demand that the ̈́...
Arne Slot pens emotional message after Diogo Jota's tragic passingLiverpool manager Arne Slot has penned an emotional letter following the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva, 25, passed away in a road accident on Thursday (July 3rd) in the province of Zamora, in north-west Spain.The footballing world is now grieving a player who had made a significant impact for clu...
Chelsea ace Noni Madueke 'open' to Arsenal switchChelsea winger Noni Madueke is reportedly 'open' to moving across London and joining Arsenal this summer as discussions over a potential deal continue.The 23-year-old enjoyed a decent 2024-25 season without pulling up any trees for Chelsea, scoring 11 goals and providing four assists in his 41 games.Arsenal are understood to be discussing a potentia...
Inter Milan target in demand Palmeiras midfielderInter Milan are reportedly targeting a move for in demand Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios following a string of impressive performances at the FIFA Club World Cup.The 25-year-old has had a starring role for the Brazilian club as they reached the quarterfinals of the tournament with a game against Chelsea next.According to Calciomercato, Inter Mila...
FC Salzburg v Real Madrid CF: Group H - FIFA Club World Cup 2025Head coach Luis Enrique is pushing PSG to sign Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, who has struggled for minutes under new manager Xabi Alonso.WHAT HAPPENED?Paris Saint-Germain are keen on adding one more dimension to their already phenomenal attack, with head coach Luis Enrique pushing the club to sign Rodrygo from Real Madrid. The former Sa...
- 1 Liverpool willing to make swap proposal to Palace for Guehi
- 2 Raphinha happy to see Barcelona miss out on FIFA Club World Cup
- 3 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 4 Mystery blonde who had night out with Kieran Trippier
- 5 Inside jet-setting England star Dominic Solanke's honeymoon with wife Erica
- 6 Sporting CP president Varandas: Gyokeres knows price he can leave for
- 7 Frustrated Arsenal turn to Eintracht Frankfurt striker Ekitike
- 8 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 9 Cristiano Ronaldo to join up with Portuguese boss at Al-Nassr
- 10 Paul Pogba breaks down in tears as ex-Man Utd star seals return to football