Romelu Lukaku Issues Statement After Chelsea Fallout

Romelu Lukaku has issued an official statement following his controversial remarks that led to him being axed from Chelsea's match-day squad this past weekend.

The Belgian international caused a great deal of controversy last week when, in an interview with an Italian broadcaster, he seemed to suggest that all was not well at the Blues since he became the club's all-time record signing. 

Lukaku left Inter Milan to return to Chelsea in the previous transfer window but appeared to hint he was unhappy under Thomas Tuchel and that a move back to the Nerrazzuri is on the cards in future. 

The comments led to strong backlash from pundits and supporters of last season's UEFA Champions League winners, with Tuchel admitting his surprise before making the decision to drop him for the Blues' 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday. 

Lukaku, however, has returned to the side's squad for their Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, after he issued an official apology on Tuesday evening. 

"To the fans, I'm sorry for the upset I caused," he said. 

Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi is part of the Nigerian squad for AFCON.

Orlando Pirates striker Gabadinho Mhango is in the Malawi squad

Onismor Bhasera of SuperSport United is one of the experienced campaigners in Zimbabwe's squad.

SuperSport United's Kudakwashe Mahachi has been included in Zimbabwe's squad.

Orlando Pirates defender Olisa Ndah has done enough to earn a spot in the Nigerian side.

Baroka FC striker Richard Mbulu is part of Malawi's squad.

Limbikani Mzava of AmaZulu is in Malawi's squad for the tournament.

JDR Stars player Ishmael Wadi has been included in Zimbabwe's squad. Image by @jdrstarz

Ivory Coast have included Badra Ali Sangare of JDR Stars as one of their goalkeepers.

Goalkeeper Jean-Noel Amonome of Uthongathi is in Gabon's squad for AFCON.

Black Leopards goalkeeper Modou Jobe is in Gambia's squad.

Polokwane City's Khuda Muyaba (centre) has been included in Malawi's squad.

Venda Football Academy's Gerald Takwara has been included in the Zimbabwe squad.

Polokwane City's Dennis Chembezi is in the Malawian squad.

"You know the connection I've had to this club since my teenage years, so I totally understand you guys being upset.

"It's up to me now to restore your trust and I'll do my best to show commitment every day on the training ground and to try and win games.

"To the manager, I apologise and also to my teammates and the board because it was not the right moment.

"I want to move forward and start winning football games. I totally understand [why the fans are upset]. I should've been much clearer in my message to be totally honest.

"The interview was about saying goodbye to the Inter fans, it was not about trying to disrespect the Chelse fans and the football club, the owner, my teammates and the manager.

"They made a lot of effort to bring me back here and I wanted to come back here, I've been on a mission since I left.

"I totally understand the frustrations of the fans but now it's on me to show that my commitment is 100 percent and I'll do that every game.

"They don't need to question [my commitment]. I always said I wanted to come here and to be successful, that's why I signed a five-year deal.

"I think Chelsea is a club that equals success. All the players that come here come for winning and I have a special passion for this club.

"I want to achieve that with this club, I want to win here for many years. I want to make sure I show my commitment every day."