RETURNING Chelsea star Romelu Lukaku looks in fantastic shape ahead of his Premier League return.
The 28-year-old lost 16lbs after quitting Manchester United for Inter Milan two years ago, establishing himself as one of Europe’s finest strikers.
Lukaku struggled at Old Trafford, managing 28 goals in 66 Premier League appearances under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Belgian striker was heavily criticised for his weight, with United legend Gary Neville branding him ‘unprofessional’ shortly before he left the club.
His weight gain reportedly happened after United and the player failed to realise his digestive system was ‘malfunctioning’.
Lukaku quickly found his feet in Milan, scoring 47 goals in 72 Serie A games for Inter and helping them win the Scudetto last season.
And the former Everton ace is now hoping to replicate his impressive form at Stamford Bridge after completing a £97.5million move to Chelsea.
Lukaku improved his physique by working under renowned nutritionist and former rugby star Matteo Pincella at the San Siro.
Pincella eliminated nearly all pasta dishes from the forward’s diet and introduced more chicken, fish and sweet potatoes.
Discussing his change of diet in March, Lukaku said: “When I joined Inter we did an analysis of my body and a lot has changed.
“I eat a lot of salad and fish, which has a great effect on me. I take carnitine, it makes me feel good, and I take vitamins.
“I eat salad for lunch, a lot of chicken breast, shirataki noodles. Since following this lifestyle I feel better on the pitch, more responsive and faster.
It’s all about preparation and now I’m just trying to prepare myself in the best way possible. Physically, I’m fit and those two years in Italy helped me to get better physically, getting stronger.
Romelu Lukaku
“I love sweet potatoes and black rice, I don’t eat pasta.
“I have reached another level, physically and mentally. The day before the game I can go overboard with carbohydrates.
“After most matches I eat two packs of gnocchi. They get into my circulation quickly, they help me a lot.
“I drink and eat at the stadium, in our canteen, or I take my food home, then recover with lots of ice.”
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