Napoli striker, Romelu Lukaku, has revealed that his high-profile switch to Manchester United in 2017 was never part of his personal plan, admitting that his preference was to rejoin Chelsea under then-manager Antonio Conte.
The Belgian striker moved from Everton to United for a reported £75 million fee during the summer transfer window, linking up with Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford.
Lukaku, who initially signed for Chelsea in 2011, had a standout loan spell with West Brom and later Everton, where he eventually secured a permanent move.
He spent three more successful seasons with the Toffees before making the jump to Manchester United.
In a candid interview with Belgian outlet Het Nieuwsblad, Lukaku disclosed that he had his heart set on a Stamford Bridge return before a call from Mourinho changed everything.
“I had already told everyone: I’m going to Chelsea. But suddenly Mourinho called me to say that Manchester United had made an offer,” he recalled.
“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.”
Despite his reservations about the move, Lukaku impressed in his two seasons with Manchester United, registering 42 goals in 96 appearances across all competitions.
