Romelu Lukaku has written an emotional tribute to his former Inter boss Antonio Conte tonight.
Conte incredibly parted company with the Nerazzurri earlier after two seasons in charge, which culminated in the club’s first Serie A title since 2010.
Lukaku was Conte’s big signing in the summer of 2019 and he has developed under his wing into one of world football’s most formidable strikers.
“We spoke for the first time in 2014 and we have had a bond ever since,” the Belgian wrote on Instagram.
“We had many moments to work together but only god knows why it never happened earlier.
“You came at the right time and basically changed me as a player and made me even stronger mentally and more importantly we won together!
“Winning is all that matters to you and I’m glad that I have had you as a coach.
“I will keep your principles for the rest of my career (physical preparation, mental and just the drive to win…)
“It was a pleasure to play for you!
“Thank you for all what you did.
“I owe you a lot…”
Conte left Inter after he was told by owners Suning that they needed to cut costs ahead of next season, which could lead to selling big players.
Lukaku is one of the players whose future has now been thrown into doubt, having joined Inter almost exclusively because of his connection with Conte.
The 27-year-old scored 24 league goals this season as Inter won their 19th Scudetto, and it remains to be seen if Lukaku will still be around to score for Conte’s former side in August.
Inter’s vice-president Javier Zanetti has also paid a touching tribute to Conte tonight, thanking him for writing ‘an incredible page of our history’.
