Everton loanee says Mourinho criticism is unfair.
On loan Everton striker Romelu Lukaku has revealed he asked Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho to allow him to leave and says criticism of the Portuguese is unfair.
Lukaku, 20, joined the Toffees on a season-long loan deal in August, after impressing during a similar arrangement at West Brom last season.
The Belgium international has already scored three goals in just two appearances for Roberto Martinez’s unbeaten side, while Chelsea’s three strikers – Fernando Torres, Demba Ba and Samuel Eto’o – are yet to score a league goal between them this term.
Mourinho has been criticised for allowing Lukaku to depart but the former Anderlecht striker, who netted 17 league goals last season for the Baggies, says he asked the Special One for a transfer.
“I did not know if I would be playing for Chelsea so I asked the manager to let me leave. We spoke and I told him,” Lukaku told the Daily Telegraph.
“It’s unfair to criticise Mourinho for letting me go because it was my decision.
“He knows what he is doing. He has won so many titles and I have too much respect for him to wish anything but the best, but there comes a point where you must think about yourself to show everyone that you can shine and be one of the best strikers in the league.”
Lukaku admits he could have stayed to fight for his place at Stamford Bridge but wanted to be playing regular football with the World Cup in Brazil looming.
“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.
“He’d called me into his office 10 days before the end of the window. I did not want to tell him what I wanted to do at that point, but he was very open and direct.
“I always wanted to work under him and even the time in pre-season he taught me lots I’m grateful for but I had to make a choice.”
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