Romelu Lukaku has revealed he "didn't want" to join Manchester United in 2017, amid interest from Chelsea.
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- Lukaku "didn't want" Man Utd move
- Striker reveals Jose Mourinho call
- Had interest from Chelsea
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The striker signed for United from Everton for a reported £75 million but has now opened up on the move, claiming he regrets being influenced by a phone call from then-Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho.
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WHAT LUKAKU SAID
Lukaku told Het Nieuwsblad: "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 [Raiola, after the move]: 'I don’t want this', and then I decided now I’m doing everything myself."
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Lukaku scored 42 goals in 96 appearances in two seasons at Old Trafford, also registering 12 assists, but was not part of a successful United team under Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He did eventually re-join Chelsea, signing from Inter in 2021.
- Getty Images Sport
WHAT NEXT FOR LUKAKU?
Lukaku has since found a new home at Napoli, netting 14 goals last season, and will be aiming to inspire a defence of Serie A in 2025-26 with new team-mate Kevin De Bruyne.
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