Romelu Lukaku has disclosed that his high-profile switch to Manchester United in 2017 was not his preferred transfer, stating he initially wanted to return to Chelsea under then-manager Antonio Conte.
The Belgian striker, who is of Congolese descent, made the move from Everton to Old Trafford in a deal worth approximately £75 million.
The transfer was orchestrated by United manager José Mourinho, who had worked with Lukaku previously at Chelsea.
Despite delivering an impressive return of 42 goals in 96 appearances during his two seasons in Manchester, Lukaku has now admitted that the move did not align with his personal ambitions at the time.
Speaking to Belgian outlet Het Nieuwsblad, Lukaku revealed: “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]: ‘I don’t want this,’ and then I decided now I’m doing everything myself.”
Lukaku had emerged as one of the Premier League’s most prolific forwards during his spell at Everton, which made him a top target for several elite European clubs. Conte’s Chelsea were believed to be frontrunners for his signature until United intervened.
His time at United was marked by highs and lows, with a strong debut season followed by a decline in form and eventual departure in 2019 to Inter Milan.
There, he flourished under Conte, helping the club win the Serie A title in 2021.
Lukaku has since played for Chelsea again, as well as Roma on loan, and remains one of Europe’s most talked-about strikers due to both his talent and career trajectory.
