Lukaku confirms £75m move to Old Trafford despite late offer from Chelsea
Romelu Lukaku has confirmed he will be joining Manchester United from Everton.
Pre-empting an official statement, the Belgium striker told ESPN he chose United despite a late offer from Chelsea, his former team.
“My mind was already set,” the 24-year-old Lukaku said. “I gave my word, and I don’t look back... I was already mentally preparing to be part of the team.”
Lukaku had a medical on Saturday in Los Angeles, where he is on holiday. He is set to move for £75 million.
He said he spoke to his friend Paul Pogba, the United midfielder, about the move.
“He was explaining how it went at the club, and it triggered something in my head. When the opportunity came, I didn’t have to think twice. I’m really excited,” he said.
The striker links for a second time with coach Jose Mourinho, who sold him to Everton in 2014 when at Chelsea. Lukaku had spent most of his time on loan at West Bromwich Albion and then Everton.
“We were together under different circumstances,” Lukaku said. “The first time 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.
“Now I’m 24. He sees the maturity that has grown throughout the years.”
Wayne Rooney, meanwhile, has confirmed he is moving the other way, rejoining Everton from Manchester United.
He issued a statement thanking United for the past 13 years and expressing his happiness at returning to his boyhood club.