Romelu Lukaku Says He Wanted to Leave Chelsea, so Don't Blame Jose Mourinho

Romelu Lukaku has claimed it was his wish to leave Chelsea on loan and insisted Jose Mourinho should not be criticised for sanctioning the move to Everton.

Towards the end of the summer transfer window Chelsea scoured the market for a new striker, eventually settling on Samuel Eto’o.

Despite Eto’o’s arrival Chelsea remained light in the attacking department, so it came as a surprise when the Blues sent Lukaku on loan to Everton.

Lukaku has made a blistering start to life at Everton. He bagged two goals in the win over Newcastle on Monday.

His form for the Toffees has led to questions about why Mourinho let the Belgium international leave on a season-long loan.

During his press conference on Friday, Mourinho said he had no regrets about the decision to allow Lukaku to leave.

"

Don't know why people slag Jose for Lukaku's loan move. Romelu's mentioned it a thousand times already, he requested a move. Wasn't forced.

— Haris (@CampeonesOleOle) October 5, 2013"

And now the forward has waded in, saying it was his wish to move, per Chris Bascombe of the Daily Telegraph.

"I did not know if I would be playing for Chelsea so I asked the manager to let me leave," Bascombe quoted Lukaku as saying. "We spoke and I told him."

It appears Lukaku’s move was fuelled by his desire to nail down a spot in the Belgium national side ahead of next summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Lukaku said: 

"

I could have stayed and fought, but it was not about the competition. When you are a 20-year-old you need minutes. I lost my place in the national team because I did not play for a year with Chelsea.

I want that position back. I want to be in a top team and play. You only get better if you play so the best thing was to leave.

"