Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has apologised to Inter Milan and their supporters over the signing of Romelu Lukaku.

The Belgian centre-forward won the Serie A title with Inter under Antonio Conte last season.

However, the club's finances led to Conte's departure, while Lukaku was sold to Chelsea for £100 million to balance the books.

Speaking at the Il Festival dello Sport in Trento, Italy, Tuchel addressed Lukaku leaving Inter.

"I'm sorry for the Inter fans but like everyone we try to improve. We identified a certain profile, a very physical striker, a reference, a player with personality who could take the pressure off the shoulders of the youngest. A player who allowed us to play faster football," the German coach said.

"There aren't many players like that. When we have the chance to bring Lukaku back, it was an important moment for us. He said he was fine where he was, he worked extraordinarily with [Antonio] Conte and Inter.

"But then returning and finishing his career in England, where he played as a young man, was important. Lukaku wanted to play for Chelsea for these reasons and everything went well."