Former Chelsea midfielder Florent Malouda has said that Romelu Lukaku's return to Chelsea could be good for the club but only if he apologises to the fans.

Romelu Lukaku returned to Chelsea in the summer of 2021 for £95million in what represented the final piece of the puzzle for then-manager Thomas Tuchel's Stamford Bridge revolution.

Lukaku's Chelsea nightmare
His return to Stamford Bridge was a colossal failure.

The Belgium international faded after a bright start and was eventually dropped by Tuchel following poor form and an explosive interview granted to Italian TV where he professed his love for the Serie A, and his desire to go back to Inter Milan.
After that disappointing first season back at the Bridge, Lukaku was allowed to move to Inter on loan where has somewhat rediscovered his scoring boots with 13 goals this season, largely playing a subdued role.

Malouda says Lukaku must apologise to Chelsea fans

Speaking with BoyleSports, former Chelsea winger Florent Malouda gave his thoughts on Lukaku's potential return to Chelsea.

"There are many issues to be fixed, but I would not mind Romelu returning to Chelsea because I believe that he can, and he will have something to prove.

"However, he can’t do it in the conditions that he previously left under - this is the reality. He has to improve his relationship with the fans for sure, because of the interview he gave two years ago when he was there.

Malouda continued, "I read comments saying Pochettino wouldn’t mind working with Lukaku, and this should give Romelu confidence.

"He is still a top player and he has proved that during his time in Italy. He has faced a lot of adversity and he still has some wrongs to correct.

"Chelsea need good players and are not playing in the Champions League, so they need players who want to be here. There are too many players who are looking elsewhere because they don’t feel like they are part of the project."

Lukaku is due to return to Chelsea at the end of the season and it remains to be seen if the 30-year-old has a long-term future at Chelsea under incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Source: Pulse Sports

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/lukaku-must-apologise-to-the-fans-or-stay-away-ex-chelsea-star-2023052312311659515