Romelu Lukaku explains reason behind Manchester United exit

Belgium international Romelu Lukaku has revealed that he made the decision to leave Manchester United following a disappointing 2018/2019 season, where he managed just 15 goals from 45 appearances. The 26-year-old was widely touted to make the move to Juventus during the summer transfer window but he eventually sealed the permanent transfer to Inter Milan after the influence of Antonio Conte.

Speaking to Tuttosport, Lukaku said that he was clear with the thoughts of leaving the Red Devils after things failed to work out for him during the previous campaign, he told: “One bad year can happen to everybody, and I was done. It was a difficult situation. I had to make a decision over going somewhere where I can learn other aspects of my game and work with somebody that wanted me as well. Ole wanted me to stay but I told him it was over. I didn’t have the energy. All credit to him because he’s been a man and he helped me make the move away.”

The former Everton man added that he was on the cusp of joining Juventus but he was convinced to join Inter instead. The Belgian credited manager Antonio Conte for the move, given the Italian had previously wanted him at Chelsea and Juventus, he told: “I was close, really close [to joining Juve], but my mind was always set on Inter and the manager. Obviously when Inter came – and the manager Conte wanted me at Chelsea and Juve as well – I wanted to go there and see what it was like, keep my head down and work.”

Lukaku has impressed since the move to Milan and he has contributed 23 goals from 35 appearances. Meanwhile, he has also bagged five assists for the campaign and has formed a superb partnership with Lautaro Martinez upfront. Inter appear likely to miss out on the league title with an eight-point gap to league leaders Juventus but the future looks bright for them, if they are able to keep hold of the front duo and strengthen the other departments.