Romelu Lukaku claims he opted against a move to Juventus in order to stay at Everton.
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So while it seems the long term future of Romelu Lukaku may well not involve Everton, for now at least, he remains committed to the Merseyside club and it’s progression within the Premier League.
Antonio Conte had the former Chelsea striker high on his wishlist as he looked to revamp his striking options, but Everton held firm in their demands for £75million for the 23-year-old.
The Liverpool Echo have picked up on quotes he gave during the global break, where the forward says: “Yes, it stings a little, but I’m someone who believes that everything happens for a reason”.
“Let’s just say it was clear very quickly that I had to stay”, Lukaku said. I am calm and respectful. “I could count on the interest of some clubs, but it wasn’t clear”.
Lukaku is now away with the Belgium squad ahead of their World Cup Qualifier against Cyprus on Tuesday, where Roberto Martinez, who was sacked as Everton manager in May, will take charge of his second game as the national coach.
“For me football is not about the money”. I did not go into conflict. Hopefully they will also treat me with respect and I can leave through the main gate. It was important to me that I remained calm, and I did. “I will not quarrel with Everton”.
I tell Mino how I think about it, and eventually we have to make a decision that is best for me.
However, there have been major changes at the club since then which may be responsible for his change of plans, at the forefront of which was the arrival of Ronald Koeman as the manager in place of Roberto Martinez.
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Had he done so in the first instance rather than gobbing off along with his father, the whole thing probably would have had a better outcome for all concerned.
