Romelu Lukaku texts Tim Howard over ‘very hot’ Chelsea exile as he prepares for talks tomorrow

Romelu Lukaku has discussed his future at Chelsea with his former Everton team-mate Tim Howard after the striker was exiled at Stamford Bridge.

Lukaku was dropped from the Chelsea squad to face Liverpool on Sunday following his controversial interview with Sky Sports Italia. 

The 28-year-old said he was ‘not happy’ with his place in the Chelsea first-team during the interview at Stamford Bridge.

The striker has reportedly told Howard (right) that the situation is ‘very hot’ ahead of further talks on Monday

Lukaku has reportedly said he cannot talk too much about his situation at the club, claiming it is ‘very hot’ at the moment but revealed another meeting will be held on Monday.

In the interview with Sky Sports Italia, the Belgium international said: ‘Physically I am fine. But I’m not happy with the situation at Chelsea. Tuchel has chosen to play with another system.

‘I won’t give up, I’ll be professional. I am not happy with the situation but I am professional – and I can’t give up now.’ 

Lukaku gave an interview at home to Sky Italia which upset supporters and staff at Chelsea

As well as talking up his unhappiness in Tuchel’s system, Lukaku also spoke about the prospect of one day returning to Inter Milan.

He added: ‘I really, genuinely from the bottom of my heart hope to come back to Inter, not at the end of my career, but while I am still at the level to win more trophies.’ 

The Belgium international has since been texting with his former team-mate Howard about his Chelsea exile, according to a report from NBC Sport. 

‘I can’t talk too much about it. It is very hot. There is another meeting on Monday. I have another meeting on Monday, I can talk more after that,’ Lukaku told Howard. 

The 28-year-old was dropped by Thomas Tuchel (right) from the squad to face Liverpool

Earlier this week, Howard, who played alongside Lukaku for three years at Goodison Park, said that his former team-mate was frustrated but explained he was not a ‘venomous character’. 

‘I think he’s frustrated, absolutely,’ the American told NBC Sports, via the Chelsea Chronicle. 

‘The things happened at Inter, the way he left, the way he had to be sold for them to recoup some money for the club.

‘He didn’t get an opportunity to speak to the and the way he wanted to and leave on his own terms.

The Belgian faced a spell on the sidelines after sustaining an injury against Malmo in October

‘Even though when I spoke to him a few weeks ago, he spoke about unfinished business at Chelsea, I think that was also real, but I think it was a brave face to say ‘I’m here now, I have to come back and hopefully win some trophies.’

‘But this does seem out of character for him to speak in this way.’

Lukaku has netted five times in 13 Premier League appearances so far this season after his campaign was disrupted by an ankle injury and Covid. 

He found himself out of the team for four games on his return from the sidelines and is said to be disappointed with his role in the side.