This archive report was first published on 9 August 2019.
Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku has made a strong impression at Inter Milan, being handed the coveted number nine shirt that previously belonged to Mauro Icardi. The move comes after Icardi was stripped of the captaincy during the course of last season.
Inter Milan confirmed the signing of Lukaku from Manchester United on August 8, 2019, and posted a photograph of the Belgian forward wearing the shirt on their Instagram account the following day.
Despite being Inter's leading scorer for each of the last five seasons, Icardi has been told by new coach Antonio Conte that he is not part of his plans. Conte, who has won three successive Serie A titles with Juventus and an English Premier League and FA Cup with Chelsea, was a key factor in Lukaku's decision to join the club.
"Yes, the coach was a key factor. He's the best coach in the world: he manages to improve his players, while his career speaks for itself," Lukaku told Inter's TV channel.
Lukaku, 26, was also motivated by the challenge of helping to rebuild Inter, who have spent nearly a decade in the shadow of bitter rivals Juventus. Inter have not won a major title since the Coppa Italia in 2011, while Juventus have won Serie A for the last eight seasons.
"I needed the challenge where I could help the team build for the future and everything is present here to help me," Lukaku said. "Here, the foundations are there to do well. Through my commitment and my desire to perform, I want to help this team achieve big things."
