Ex-Chelsea star says Romelu Lukaku wants to return to Italy as Serie A is easier than Premier League

Former Chelsea midfielder Mikel John Obi has claimed Serie A is easier to play in than the Premier League, and that is why Romelu Lukaku wants to return to Italy.

The Belgian forward is desperate to move back to Inter Milan, having struggled in his first season since his massive £97.5million move to Chelsea.

He could manage just eight Premier League goals which is disappointing for a player of his calibre, who would have loved to dominate the league.

There are also genuine concerns over his suitability to the way Thomas Tuchel likes his team to press and hold the line in games.

Lukaku would also have been disappointed that he was not starting most of the big games and even though some of his bench roles were down to injury, his overall contribution would have hurt him.

Lukaku still owns a house in Italy and there are reports that he has been in contact with his teammates from the Championship-winning campaign at Inter Milan.

Inter’s football director was in London over the weekend to try and complete the deal that will see Lukaku return to the Italian side, and now former Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi says he understands why the striker wants to return.

The Nigerian legend claimed that it’s easier to score in Italy, where the standard of play is lower compared to the rigours of the Premier League.

Mikel was speaking to a Nigerian Radio station called Naija FM and said: “‘The English league is totally different, too strong, too powerful.

“The Italian league is too slow. The pace of English football is way too much for the Italian league.”

Chelsea started last season on fire but the two cup defeats to Liverpool at Wembley on penalties has left a bitter taste in the mouth of fasn who are left looking forward to a better future.

Next season is the first time in almost two decades that the club will start a campaign without their former owner Roman Abramovich, who was forced to sell the club after the war in Ukraine.

The whole episode injured the club on and off the pitch and the next few seasons will tell us where the club is heading under Todd Boehly and his consortium.