Antonio Conte explains why Romelu Lukaku flopped at Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel

Antonio Conte believes Chelsea suffered the consequences of failing to take Romelu Lukaku to their hearts and insists he could have been a huge success at Stamford Bridge.

Conte attempted to sign the Belgium international in the summer of 2017 when he was still in charge of the west London club but eventually had to settle for Alvaro Morata instead.

Lukaku eventually teamed up with Conte at Inter following an underwhelming spell at Manchester United and it was his goals that helped power the Nerazzuri to the Serie A title.

A £97million return to Chelsea followed but, after a bright start, he fell out with Thomas Tuchel after he gave a controversial interview which ultimately sealed his fate and started the process of his return to Inter.

Conte takes his rapidly improving Spurs side to Chelsea on Sunday and the Italian is relieved he won’t be facing Lukaku who could’ve been a huge hit had he been shown more affection from the Stamford Bridge faithful.

Conte said: ‘We are talking about a big amount of money for a player and I think we are talking about a really important striker in the world.

‘But sometimes a situation outside of football happens and I think Romelu lived two years in Milan and he was the king.

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‘The fans showed him a lot of passion and I think he’s a guy who needs this. And for this reason, I think he wanted to go back to Milan.

‘But, for sure, the signing was a good signing for Chelsea. Then, you know very well there are players that need more time to make an impact. But, for sure, he was a good signing for Chelsea.

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