Romelu Lukaku reveals rejecting Juventus in summer transfer window to continue at Everton

Everton star Romelu Lukaku has revealed that he rejected a chance to join Juventus in the summer transfer window. The striker was linked with a move away from Goodison Park after impressing for his side in the last campaign and confirmed interest from a few clubs for his signature.

The 23-year-old was a target for the Serie A winners, while he was attracting interest from his former club Chelsea, reports The Sun. The Blues league rivals Manchester United were also reportedly considering an approach for his services. Lukaku snubbed advances from Juventus, which has seen him miss out on the Champions League and expressed his disappointment of not playing in the European competition.

"It stings a little [not being in European competition], but I'm someone who believes that everything happens for a reason," Lukaku told the Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad.

"Otherwise I would have gone to Juventus instead of staying at Everton. But I opted for Everton because it was too early for Italy and I have not done badly here."

Everton allowed Roberto Martinez leave the club at the end of last season. The Spaniard was replaced by Ronald Koeman, who earlier suggested that Lukaku could be handed a new deal.

However, the Belgium international has refused to comment on his future. Lukaku said that he will discuss his future with his agent Mino Raiola before signing a new deal as he has the ambition to compete for titles, which could see him leave his current employers.

"Now we have a new coach and it is completely different than with Mr Martinez, but I think we can make progress under Ronald Koeman. It may be the last step and then look further," the striker explained.

"I knew of the interest of a few clubs, it was quickly very clear that Everton would not let me go. It was important to me that I remained calm, and I did. I said to myself that I will do my best, and who knows what will happen in the future."

"I tell [agent] Mino [Raiola] what I think about it [contract renewal] and eventually we have to make the decision that is best for me," he added.

"For me football is not about money - I want to win prizes. But when I get into a situation where I can leave but my team will not let me, I'm not someone who misses training, gets fined and develops a bad reputation.

"I try to remain calm and treat my club with respect. Hopefully they also treat me with respect and I can leave through the front door," Lukaku explained.