Lukaku congratulates coach Conte after his transfer to Inter

BERLIN – Antonio Conte, the coach of Inter Milan, has been hailed by Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku after his transfer from Manchester United.

"The coach was a decisive factor, he is the best coach in the world: he is able to develop his players while his career speaks for itself," Lukaku said in comments posted on the website of Inter Milan.

Conte, 50, won three consecutive Serie A titles with Juventus before leaving for Chelsea after a brief stint as a coach. Despite his victories in the Premier League and FA Cup, his two years at the club are tough and he takes over Inter Milan a year later.

Lukaku's contract is the most important for Conte, after weeks of speculation, the Belgian striker signed a contract to keep him at Inter Milan for five years until 2024.

Lukaku, 26, received the team's No. 9 jersey, worn by captain Mauro Icardi, sign of Argentina's departure.

Inter Milan, three-time European champion, seems to be far from the rivals of Juventus but aims to return to the Champions League.

"I chose Inter because of the club's project," said Lukaku, "I think Inter Milan is on the right track and I wanted a new challenge."

Lukaku was a young miracle with the Belgian club of Anderlecht but, although he played for Chelsea and Everton before Manchester United, the player still has no major title. It's something that he hopes to change.

"Here, the foundations are there to do a good job," said Lukaku, "By my commitment and desire to do well, I want to help the team achieve great things."

"I will not be alone, but I hope we can get great results at the end of the season.

Lukaku's remarks about his new coach have probably gone unnoticed to Manchester United, who is preparing for the new season under the orders of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, whose autobiography is weak compared to Conte.