Lukaku on the charm offensive at Chelsea

ROMELU Lukaku has offered a direct apology to Chelsea supporters in a bid to build bridges after his controversial interview revealing unhappiness at Stamford Bridge.

“And I want to move forward from this and make sure that we start winning football games and make sure that I start performing for the team in the best manner.”

Chelsea’s board and senior players backed manager Thomas Tuchel in his decision to drop Lukaku for the draw with Liverpool, leaving the German fully vindicated.

Lukaku’s fulsome apologies have now paved the way for a full return to first-team action.

Former Manchester United and Everton player Lukaku insisted his Sky Sport Italy interview was only ever designed as a respectful goodbye to Inter fans – but that he now understands the damage caused by his comments.

“I think I should have been much clearer in my message to be honest,” said Lukaku.

“Because the interview was about saying goodbye to the Inter fans, it was not about trying to disrespect the (Chelsea) fans, the football club, the owner, my team-mates, the technical staff.

“Because they made a lot of efforts for me to come back here and I wanted to come back here. I was on a mission to come back since I left, so I totally understand the frustrations of the fans.

“But now it’s on me to make sure my commitment is at 100% and I will do that in every game.

“At the end of the day, I always said I wanted to come here to be successful, that’s why I signed a five-year deal. Chelsea’s a club that’s equal to success.”