Honest Lukaku makes surprising claim over Solskjaer and Man Utd exit

Romelu Lukaku says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wanted him to stay at Manchester United, but the striker has admitted “it was done” for him at Old Trafford. 

The Belgium forward made the move to Inter Milan last summer after weeks of speculation, signing for a reported £73.9million, with Solskjaer surprisingly instrumental in allowing the forward to leave.

Lukaku scored 42 goals in 96 appearances for United after arriving from Everton for £75million in July 17, but he was often criticised for his lack of movement and forever under the microscope at Old Trafford.

“One bad year can happen to everybody in their career,” Lukaku said in a YouTube interview with Ian Wright.

“It was just done for me. You know what happened behind the scenes, it was just done. For me it was done.

“It was a difficult situation where for myself I had to make a decision where I have to go 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 I 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.”

Lukaku, 26, has hit the ground running in Serie A and has scored 23 times in 35 games, however he has refused to disrespect his former club.

 

 

 

“They’re going the right way because they’re bringing in the right players,” Lukaku said. “Ole is doing a good job and the results are going for them. I’m wishing them nothing but the best.

“It’s a club that gave me a platform that I’ve never seen in my life, so for me to be disrespectful about Man U or any other club I played for in England I think is a bit childish. I think I went past that stage of talking back to people.”

Lukaku has also revealed he was close to joining Juventus, but says Inter Milan head coach Antonio Conte played a crucial role in his decision.

“It was close. It was really close but my mind was always set on Inter… and the manager,” Lukaku added. “When I was a kid, Inter was my team in Italy. I looked up to Adriano and Ronaldo.

“Obviously when Inter came, the club, the manager Conte that wanted me at Chelsea and when he was at Juve as well, I was like now it’s time to go over there and see what it’s like, but just keep my head down and work.”

READ MORE: Contract details reveal huge Man Utd oversight in flourishing former star