Chelsea to send Lukaku back to Inter: Griezmann and other stars who regretted leaving their former clubs

Last year, Romelu Lukaku came from one of the best seasons in his career. He was a key contributor to Inter Milan's first Serie A title in a long time, scoring 24 goals and providing 11 assists to help the Nerazzurri end Juventus' reign in the Italian top-flight.

However, the club was going through a delicate financial situation and looked unable to challenge for continental glory the following season. Therefore, Lukaku felt it was the right time to have a second stint at Chelsea, who had just won the UEFA Champions League. The Blues were eager to bring him back as well, and bagged $124 million to do so. But nothing went according to plan.

The Belgian star failed to establish himself in the starting eleven and eventually made public his desire to leave, suggesting that he regretted leaving Inter in the first place. Thomas Tuchel made clear he wouldn't count on a disgruntled player either, which is why Lukaku's return to Inter looks all but done. Strange as it may sound, this is not the first time a renowned player returns to his former club shortly after leaving it.

In the summer of 2021, Lukaku was in his prime and Chelsea were recently crowned in Europe. While many thought their reunion would be the best for both, it left a lot to be desired. According to Fabrizio Romano, Lukaku is ready to go back to Inter Milan only a year later in a season-long loan with no buy option nor obligation clause. That means that the Belgian would once again return to London once his loan spell ends in 2023...

Lukaku's case may have taken many by surprise, but something similar happened with Antoine Griezmann last year. After five fantastic seasons with Atletico Madrid, the Frenchman joined Barcelona for $132m in the summer of 2019.