Everton and Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku has claimed he rejected a move to Italian champions Juventus this summer.
The 23-year-old who was heavily linked with a return to Chelsea throughout the transfer window, reportedly wanted to find a new club before the start of the season before deciding to remain at Goodison Park.
“It stings a little [not being in European competition], but I’m someone who believes that everything happens for a reason,” Lukaku told Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad.
“Otherwise I would have gone to Juventus instead of staying at Everton. But I opted for Everton because it was too early for Italy and I have not done badly here.
“Now we have a new coach and it is completely different than with Mr [Roberto] Martinez, but I think we can make progress under Ronald Koeman. It may be the last step and then look further.
“I knew of the interest of a few clubs, it was quickly very clear that Everton would not let me go. It was important to me that I remained calm, and I did. I said to myself that I will do my best and who knows what will happen in the future.”
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