Belgian star Romelu Lukaku returns to Chelsea

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku returned to Chelsea on a five-year deal, the Blues announced Thursday.

"One of the most prolific strikers in European football, Lukaku has returned to the club he supported as a young boy and where he has unfinished business, having been on our books between 2011 and 2014," the team said in a statement.

"I’m happy and blessed to be back at this wonderful club,’ said Lukaku. ‘It’s been a long journey for me: I came here as a kid who had a lot to learn, now I’m coming back with a lot of experience and more mature."

Lukaku previously played for Belgium's Anderlecht, Italy's Inter Milan, and several English clubs, including Manchester United, West Bromwich Albion, and Everton.

At Inter from 2019 to 2021, he was named Europa League Player of the Season in 2019-20, playing an integral part as the Italian team won the Serie A last season.

Lukaku, 28 won two Belgian league titles with Anderlecht in 2010 and 2012, and an English FA Cup with Chelsea.

He is the all-time top scorer for the Belgian national team with 64 goals in 98 games.

Lukaku also helped Belgium win bronze at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.