Micah Richards blames Tuchel, Chelsea for Romelu Lukaku struggles as better-suited side are named

Micah Richards has scorned Chelsea’s system, claiming Romelu Lukaku “would score goals” if he had gone to Manchester City instead.

Lukaku rejoined Chelsea with a lot of promise, following his £100million move from Inter Milan. The Belgian had been banging in the goals during his time in Italy.

Lukaku hit 27 goals in all competitions in his first season with Inter – his 23 in the league made him the third-highest scorer in Serie A. The following season, he netted 30 goals and provided 10 assists in all competitions, and was the second-highest goalscorer in Serie A, with 24.

As such, the Blues would have hoped for a similar goals output from the talisman. Initially, it did look as if that may be the case, as Lukaku bagged three goals in the first three games on his return to the Premier League.

However, the Belgian then had an eight-game goal drought in the league. That was a feature of his season – the striker would score a few goals in a short space of time, and then go missing for weeks.

Lukaku did finish as Chelsea’s leading goalscorer, with 15 goals in all competitions. However, a lot more would have been expected of him, after Chelsea dropped a huge fee to land him.

The Blues may have been in the title fight with Man City and Liverpool, had Lukaku been on it all season. They eventually finished 18 points behind second-placed Liverpool, in third.

Former Man City ace Richards has scorned Chelsea, claiming Lukaku’s output would have been better had he gone to City.

Video: Victor Osimhen staying at Napoli despite Premier League interest (Teamtalk)

Jesse Lingard on the brink of a return to West Ham

Leeds winger Raphinha agrees terms with Barcelona

Tottenham keeper Pierluigi Gollini set for early exit

Man United want Ajax