Conte was key to Inter decision – Lukaku

MILAN (AP):

NEW INTER Milan forward Romelu Lukaku says Nerazzurri coach Antonio Conte was a key factor in his decision to join the Serie A club.

Lukaku completed a move from Manchester United on Thursday for a reported 65 million euros plus up to 13 million euros in bonuses.

Conte also joined Inter in the offseason and in his first interview as a Nerazzurri player yesterday, Lukaku was asked how much of an influence the former Chelsea coach’s presence had in him choosing the club.

‘BEST MANAGER’

Lukaku says: “A lot. For me ... he’s the best manager in the world. He’s somebody that can make players better all the time. You can see his record.”

The 26-year-old Lukaku has been given Mauro Icardi’s No. 9 jersey — another sign that the former Inter captain is on his way out of the club.

Icardi was stripped of the captaincy and dropped from the squad midway through last season.

AP Striker Romelu Lukaku waves at Inter Milan supporters from a window of the Italian Olympic Committee’s headquarters, in Milan, Italy, Thursday, August 8, 2019, after making the switch to the Serie A club from Manchester United.