Striker explains his decision
Everton striker Romelu Lukaku has explained his decision to stay at Goodison Park this summer and not return to Chelsea.
Blues boss Antonio Conte was looking to bring the big Belgian striker back to Stamford Bridge, but Lukaku instead committed his future to Everton rather than return to his former club.
It’s thought that Chelsea were willing to spend £65million on the striker after failing to land Real Madrid’s Alvaro Morata.
However, Lukaku chose to stay on Merseyside because of the arrival of Ronald Koeman.
Lukaku told Thierry Henry on Sky Sports: “I had a moment of reflection – for a week in pre-season – to see how the manager works and see what he sees in me as a player.
“I’m young and there are aspects of my game I need to improve. He worked with me on it from day one and I was convinced he was a man that can have a big influence on my future.”
Lukaku has scored four goals in all competitions so far this season, with the Toffees sitting fifth in the Premier League table.
And the Belgian powerhouse, whose side host Crystal Palace tonight (8pm), went on to compare the different coaching methods of Martinez and Koeman.
He added: “With Mr Martinez I had a lot of freedom to express myself on the pitch.
The second year he wanted me to play more as a target man and that’s something that has never been in my game, because my pace and running in behind is my strongest point.
“But I learned it, and then the third year, for seven months I was unstoppable in the league, there was no way someone could hold me.
“But the last three months of the season, my level dipped and the team’s level dipped and it was sad how it ended with the former manager.
“With Mr Koeman it’s a change, it’s different. I know that if I don’t do what he wants me to on the pitch, I can go on the bench straight away.
“He keeps me very sharp and focused in the training sessions and throughout the games which is going to help me.”
By Ben Kelly – @benkelly_10
