Romelu Lukaku all but confirms Everton departure and expresses interest in Chelsea return, Mourinho reunion via Royal Blue Mersey
Romelu Lukaku has once again spoken to the Belgian media about his desire to play in the Champions League, just in case we hadn't already got the hint that he is going to quit Everton at the end of the season.
The Belgian squad is notorious for opening up about their futures while on international duty and Lukaku has been no different, giving a series of interviews and news conferences highlighting his need to play Champions League football next season.
That is something, of course, that Everton cannot give, though it is also something Chelsea and possibly even Man Utd will be unable to offer Lukaku next season either. But that hasn't stopped the 22-year-old being linked with a move to Old Trafford or a return to Stamford Bridge.
Lukaku was quick to play down the nature of his departure from Chelsea in the summer of 2014 and appeared to leave the door open for a return. He is even willing to work again with Jose Mourinho, who sold Lukaku to Everton and has been linked with the Man Utd job.
When asked whether he would be happy working with Mourinho again Lukaku told Belgian newspaper La Derniere Heure:
"Of course. Some people will say that I need to convince him but it's not a question of that. Three years ago I was 20 and I wasn't ready to be immediately effective in a top team.
"Several good seasons, including the current one, have changed the situation. I'll be 23 [in May] and I could leave this summer."
Why quizzed about comments from his father regarding a potential move to Man Utd, Lukaku added:
"I understand why he said that. When I was small, they were two teams that impressed me with their attacking strength.
Then they're teams that he likes a lot. We'll see what happens. Whatever happens, it's always nice to be linked with such clubs. That's the proof that they're watching me. The rest is my agent's business."
When asked whether he holds a grudge against Chelsea after they sold him two years ago, Lukaku said:
"No, absolutely not. The page has turned on both sides."
On one hand I can totally understand why Lukaku wants to move on. He is fiercely ambitious and to put it bluntly is far too good to be playing for a mid-table side, which is what Everton have been for the past two seasons.
Any anger about therefore should be directed at the manager, who has to take much of the blame for Everton's struggles over the past two years and failure to take full advantage of having one of the league's most gifted young strikers in his team.
It would be nice though if Lukaku refrained from rubbing the supporters noses in it. If he wants to leave because Everton can't meet his ambitions that's fine, but speaking so publicly about it is a little disrespectful.
Despite Everton's league woes there is still there is also the small matter of an FA Cup semi-final to focus on. We need a fit and firing Lukaku if we are to have any chance of lifting the trophy.
Lets hope Rom decides to focus all his energies on the final games of the season rather than publicly speculate -repeatedly – about his big money summer transfer.
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