Romelu Lukaku: 

Why I snubbed Chelsea 

Romelu Lukaku insists he ‘didn’t have to think
twice’ about joining Manchester United when
interest from Jose Mourinho became known.

Premier League champions Chelsea had been
showing substantial interest in Lukaku, who left
Stamford Bridge in 2014, but United secured his
signature after a dramatic move.

Speaking about the deal for the first time, Lukaku
 told ESPN: ‘This is an opportunity that I’ve always
 wanted since I was a child.

‘When [Manchester United] came calling, I didn’t
 have to think twice. So I’m really delighted to
hopefully be part of their history.’

When asked why he chose United over the
possibility of a return to Chelsea, Lukaku said:
 ‘Who would say no to the biggest club in the world?

Lukaku believes he is joining the ‘biggest club in the world’ in Man

 United (Picture: Getty)

‘Best stadium in England. The best fans. This is
 the perfect opportunity. I always said I wanted to
play for a team that’s challenging for every trophy
 that there is.’

He added: ‘I think Manchester United at the minute
 wants to be the dominant team, that dominant force.

‘If you look at their history, it says enough. To
become part of a club like them is something that
 I really wanted. I’m thankful for the opportunity
that they gave me.

Mourinho made Lukaku his top target after missing out on Antoine 

Griezmann (Picture: Getty)

‘Now it’s time to work hard, work harder than

 I ever did before. I’m willing to do it. Hopefully,

 it will come a good way.’  Lukaku will soon link 

up with Mourinho, the manager who sanctioned 

his departure from Stamford Bridge three years

 ago after a frustrating spell at Chelsea.

But the 24-year-old insists there is no bad blood
between the pair and says he is thankful for
Mourinho for giving him the opportunity to join
United.

‘[Mourinho is] a guy who I wanted to play for
 since
 I was 10 years old, so now to have the
opportunity
 to work under him again is great,’ Lukaku said.

United beat Chelsea to the Lukaku deal, leaving Antonio Conte 

‘fuming’ (Picture: Getty)

‘We’ve been in contact. He explained to me how
 the club was like, what he expects from me.

‘You know, we were together under different
circumstances. Obviously, the first time when I met
him, I was still a young kid, and I was eager to play.

‘And he understood my decision why I left at the time.
 I returned on the pitch. Now I’m 24. I’m a grown man.

‘He sees the maturity that has grown throughout the
 years, so I’m really thankful for the opportunity
he gave me again.’