Widely expected to leave Everton over the summer following their poor finish under Roberto Martinez, Romelu Lukaku, much to everyone’s surprise, ended up staying for another season at Goodison Park.
Of course, the club’s new found wealth and ambition most probably had a big part to play in this, as well as the arrival of new manager Ronald Koeman.
The player, currently on international duty with Belgium ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Cyprus on Tuesday, spoke to DH about his summer, and gave a clear explanation as to why he stayed on Merseyside.
He said: “I tried to not to pay to much attention to the speculation and left that up to my agent, Mino Raiola. I haven’t spoken a lot to the manager, but he talked regularly with my agent. I stayed focus on getting ready and on football.”
Lukaku, who was linked with a return to Chelsea throughout the summer, explained he was told he wasn’t going anywhere: “Let’s just say it was quickly clear I had to stay. There were a few clubs interested, but nothing clear. Everton cut every rumour short and said I would be staying.”
As for a new contract: “Ask Mino (laughs). I gave him a few pointers. I need to do what’s best for me. Football isn’t about money: I just want to win trophies. I could have left, but my team didn’t want me to.
“OK, that’s how it is. I’m not going to stay at home, get fined and destroy my reputation. I stay claim and respectful. I want to leave through the front door.”
Still only 23, the Belgian goalscorer enjoyed a fairly prolific, albeit inconsistent season, with the Toffees last season, scoring 18 goals and helping his teammates with seven assists in 37 appearances in the Premier League.
