Kevin Mirallas has revealed he played a part in convincing his Belgium team-mate Romelu Lukaku to join Everton on a season-long loan.
Both Mirallas and Lukaku reported together for international duty on Monday, ahead of Friday´s World Cup qualifier against Scotland at Hampden Park, with Lukaku signing off on a switch to Goodison Park from Chelsea shortly before the transfer deadline, despite competition from West Brom.
Mirallas said: “I was with Romelu in his room at the team hotel on Monday night, and I only left when I was sure he was joining us.
“I was surprised to learn we were in for him, because there had been no inkling, but once I got word, I really went to work.
“I just tried to convince him that Everton was the right step to take and he would love it at Goodison, and I´m really pleased he took it on board.
“With Fernando Torres, Demba Ba and Samuel Eto´o all jostling for places up front at Chelsea, and Romelu likely to be on the bench, it made sense to go out on loan again. It made even more sense to choose Everton, and I´m delighted he has.”