Patrice Evra has jumped into the defence of out-of-favour Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku whom he believed made the wrong decision to return to the club in the first place.
The 28-year-old last started for Chelsea in the FA Cup quarter-final win over in mid-March. Since March, he has only had two starts, with the other one being against Luton Town.
It is clear that Kai Havertz, who is in fine goalscoring form, has reclaimed his spot as the first-choice number nine at Stamford Bridge.
It is still less than a year since his return, and many Chelsea fans would likely have given him more time if it was not for his controversial interview which has made him a rather unpopular figure among the supporters.
The club is also left in a difficult situation.
The Belgium international is the club’s record signing and is reportedly among the highest-paid players in the squad. Keeping him as a backup striker does not seem to be a good plan financially.
Evra, however, insisted that Lukaku had shown that he was capable of leading this Chelsea side prior to his injury absence in November.
“People who criticise him have a short memory,” the former Manchester United defender told Prime Video (via FCInterNews.it)
“Because when he arrived in London he scored and did well; then he got injured and said he missed Inter.
“In the end, he created a bit of a mess with the [Chelsea] fans.”
Evra also said that Lukaku still shoulders responsibility for leaving Inter, where he thrived as a striker, and seeking a new challenge at his former club.
“He wanted to return to Chelsea at all costs, he should have stayed at Inter after such a high-level season,” he added.
“He made that choice there which for me is wrong.”
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