Antonio Conte, Inter Milan manager, has said Romelu Lukaku is already showing why he was worth 65m euros.
Conte said this after Lukaku’s debut goal in their 4-0 win over Lecce.
The Belgian striker netted the third goal in the opening-weekend rout which sent Inter top of Serie A, slotting home the rebound when Lautaro Martinez’s strike was saved.
He arrived in Milan on August 8 after several weeks of protracted negotiations, with Conte reportedly frustrated at his club’s reluctance to meet United’s asking price.
Now that he is settling excellently at the San Siro, Conte reserved high praise for the 26-year-old after his performance against Lecce on Monday.
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“Let’s not forget Lukaku cost 65m euros to be paid over five years, so when people talk about big money spent, it wasn’t even that much,” Conte told SkySports. “Tonight, he showed why we tried so hard to sign him.”
Gary Neville had said he had “very little sympathy” with Lukaku’s perceived lack of fitness towards the end of a final season at Old Trafford where the 26-year-old had often come in for criticism.
“Lukaku entered the world of Inter in the best way, with great humility,” he said.
“He’s a gentle giant, a giant with a smile. He is ready to work for the team. But not only Romelu, Lautaro [Martinez] also played very well.”