Romelu Lukaku has had his say on his move to Manchester United in 2017 by claiming that he wanted a return to Chelsea at the time
Romelu Lukaku of Belgium looks on
Romelu Lukaku has opened up on his move to Manchester United in 2017
(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
Romelu Lukaku has opened up about his transfer to Manchester United in 2017, revealing that it was not his initial desire to join the Reds. Instead, he claims he was angling for a return to Chelsea.
The Belgian striker switched from Everton to Old Trafford for a hefty £75million fee after an impressive stint at Everton, where he netted 87 goals in 166 games. Lukaku's first season at United started promisingly with 27 goals, but his form took a dip during the second season as he scored only 15 times and subsequently moved to Inter Milan.
Lukaku candidly admitted his preference for the Blues over United, stating that despite informing everyone of his intention to move to Chelsea, Jose Mourinho's intervention and his then-agent Mino Raiola's influence swayed his decision. Speaking with Koolcast Sport and reported by Het Nieuwsblad, he said: "I had already told everyone: I'm going to Chelsea. But suddenly, Mourinho called me to say that Manchester United had made an offer.
"I came back from vacation and suddenly there was an agreement with Everton. I said to Mino: 'I don't want this', and then I decided now I'm doing everything myself."
Lukaku found his stride again post-United, scoring 64 times in two seasons for Inter, before eventually securing his sought-after transfer to Chelsea. His stay at Stamford Bridge was short-lived, however, leading to another term at Inter on loan and a subsequent spell with Roma, reports the Mirror.
Lukaku, currently plying his trade with Napoli, contributed to them clinching the Serie A championship last season. His arrival in Italy could have occurred even before his permanent switch to Everton, prompting him to question the trust he placed in agents.
"It actually started in 2014. I signed with Everton at the time, but I could also go to Juventus, Wolfsburg and Atlético. That didn't happen," said Lukaku.
"I ended up at Everton, no problem, but when I saw certain figures in my contract, I thought: something's not right here. I started digging and then everything came out. A year later, De Bruyne moved to Manchester City and also started discovering everything. And then everything came out in the media."
Bound to Napoli until 2027, Lukaku is set for a reunion with Kevin De Bruyne in Naples next term. Reflecting on the influence he may have had, he commented: "I spoke to him a few times and explained to him how things work at Napoli. I'm very happy that he's joining us. Kevin is exactly what we need to take the next step. We don't just want to defend the title – we want to improve."
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