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 moveStriker reveals Jose Mourinho callHad interest from ChelseaFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱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.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT 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."
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 SportWHAT 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.






