Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that Romelu Lukaku’s time at the club would end shortly after he refused the team’s pre-season tour to the United States.
The Blues will tour the United States as part of their preparations for the 2023-24 Premier League season, and will face Wrexham, Fulham, Newcastle, and Brighton in the coming weeks.
However, with the Belgian poised to leave the club this summer, there was no room for Lukaku in Chelsea’s 29-man squad traveling to the United States.
According to talkSPORT, Pochettino said of the choice to leave Lukaku in London: ‘It is the club, and of course, it is a fascinating situation.
‘When this type of decision is [made, it is] because they all agree. The player and club are working hard to try and find best solution.’
‘It is obvious the decision had been made on the side of the player also. We act in consequence of the decision. The club and player are in the position they wanted.’
It was confirmed on Monday that Lukaku – along with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Romelu Lukaku, Hakim Ziyech, Harvey Vale, and Omari Hutchinson was left out from their pre-season squad.
The Belgian striker has been closely linked with Italian giants Juventus, Inter Milan, and a number of Saudi Pro League sides this summer.
Lukaku had been expected to rejoin Inter Milan after spending last season on loan at the San Siro, but Juve have emerged as favourites to sign him.
The Belgian forward is said to have snubbed Simone Inzaghi’s side after being benched for the Champions League final last season.