Everton striker Romelu Lukaku has revealed he rejected the chance to join Juventus this season.
Lukaku was heavily linked with a move away from Everton during the summer transfer window and had looked destined to leave Goodison Park at one point.
However, the 23-year-old was convinced to stay at Everton for at least one more season and the Belgium international has revealed a move to Juventus could have happened had he felt the time was right to make a switch to Serie A.
“It stings a little [not being in European competition], but I’m someone who believes that everything happens for a reason,” Lukaku told Het Hiuewsblad, via The Daily Mail.
“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 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 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.”
In the last five Premier League campaigns only Sergio Aguero (80) has scored more goals than Lukaku (60).
For more stats on Romelu Lukaku, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
Het Nieuwsblad, not Het Hiuewsblad. Pronunciation is [iw].