Friday, 13th September, 2013
Chelsea's acquisition of Samuel Eto'o made it a relatively easy decision to let Romelu Lukaku claim a desired move away with Everton eventually gaining, Jose Mourinho has explained.
Lukaku was sent on loan to the Toffees, with his game time at Chelsea severely under threat thanks to the attacking talent currently on show.
Fernando Torres, Demba Ba and Andre Schurrle have been joined by Eto'o, a Mourinho favourite, meaning Lukaku was desperate to engineer the switch.
A deadline-day move to Everton came about thanks to the efforts of manager Roberto Martinez and former West Bromwich Albion loannee Lukaku was signed up for a season.
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"The player wanted to go and we had Samuel; it was quite a good way to resolve the situation", Mourinho told a press conference today.
"We opted for that because it was something he was very keen on. The kid wants to play every weekend. I don't know if Roberto has promised him that, but he's a great kid.
"That is why we didn't sell him even though we had proposals, good proposals, to do so.
"We kept three experienced players for a position that demands a lot. At the same time we let him go, and we're happy which is important."
Lukaku had spent last season on loan at West Brom and made a total of 38 appearances scoring 17 goals and making seven assists.
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