Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku joined European champions Chelsea in order to double his salary, according inter Milan CEO Beppe Marotta.
The Belgium international spent two seasons with the Milan outfit and helped the club win their first Serie A title since 2010 last campaign.
After Antonio Conte resigned after winning the lead, Lukaku made the surprise return to Stamford Bridge in a deal worth €115million in the last transfer window.
Marotta has now revealed the Italian giants could not afford to pay the salary that Lukaku is currently earning with the defending UEFA Champions League holders.
"Lukaku was sold for €115m and we bought Dzeko for free. On the pitch, there isn't much difference. Lukaku left to double his salary, in Italy these figures can't exist," the Inter CEO told Corriere della Sera
"Today, we can't make important investments, I wouldn't be allowed to sign Lukaku for €75m (£63m/$87m). We need reduced and specific investments."
Lukaku has not scored in his last seven matches for the European champions and picked up an injury in the Champions League win over Malmo this week.
