Key Takeaways
- Romelu Lukaku reveals he didn’t want to join Manchester United in 2017.
- He had been set on a Chelsea return before José Mourinho’s intervention.
- Despite misgivings, Lukaku completed a £75m move to Old Trafford.
- He scored 42 goals in 96 appearances but failed to fully settle.
- A move to Inter Milan reignited his form before joining Napoli, where he now thrives.
“I Didn’t Want This”: Lukaku’s Honest Reflection
Romelu Lukaku has opened up on one of the most talked-about transfers of the past decade, revealing he never intended to sign for Manchester United in 2017. According to the Belgian striker, his heart was set on Chelsea—until a direct phone call from then-United boss José Mourinho changed the trajectory of his career.
“I told everyone: I’m going to Chelsea. Then Mourinho called and said United had made an offer. I said to my agent, ‘I don’t want this,’ but I decided to take control of the situation.”
This rare moment of transparency casts new light on the dynamics behind a high-profile £75 million switch.
A Turbulent Spell at Old Trafford
Despite a roaring debut—netting twice against West Ham—Lukaku’s time in Manchester was far from smooth. While his tally of 42 goals in 96 games was respectable, tactical inconsistencies and a lack of chemistry with United’s evolving system left both the player and club unfulfilled.
The relationship eventually frayed, leading to his exit in 2019 as he sought a cleaner slate elsewhere.
Reinvention in Italy
Lukaku’s decision to join Inter Milan proved transformative. He quickly established himself as a dominant force in Serie A, winning the Scudetto and silencing doubters with his consistent performances.
Now at Napoli, Lukaku continues to shine. His 14 goals last season helped lead the club to domestic success, reaffirming his status among Europe’s elite frontmen.
Final Whistle
Romelu Lukaku’s latest revelation offers a rare look behind the curtain of modern football transfers—where ambition, hesitation, and managerial persuasion collide. As he continues to thrive in Italy, his candid reflection on the Manchester United saga reminds fans how close some careers come to taking an entirely different path.
Keep following Goal Drift for all the emotional turns and tactical twists from Lukaku’s journey—and what could come next.
