Inter Milan vice-president Javier Zanetti admits they chose on-loan Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku over Paulo Dybala.

Dybala would eventually leave Juventus for AS Roma, where he has starred this season.

Zanetti said, “Yes, there was negotiations, but when we signed Lukaku we already had an important forward. I think he's well at Roma. I know Mourinho and I know he can make the most of him."

“Together with Lautaro Martinez he did well, let's hope Lukaku returns as soon as possible because we need him and everyone. They are two important players."

On Lautaro, Zanetti added: “We had been following him for a long time, I was talking to Milito who was manager of Racing at the time. The great thing is that when you buy a young player you don't see what he can give in the immediate future, but what he could give in the next four or five years.

“He is taking the steps that a great player must take, he is a reference point for Inter and the national team. Many compare him to Bati, I'm happy and proud of this because I contributed to getting a player who is now an Inter asset."