Romelu Lukaku has revealed that he was certain to stay at Chelsea, before new manager Jose Mourinho spoke to him about the season, where the duo agreed mutually that a loan move to Everton would be appropriate for the player’s development ahead of a vital time for his national squad.

Chelsea have been investing heavily in young players who are experienced, and have the ability to win the game for the side. Willian was one such signing from Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala, who was bought for a hefty fee, but has a bright future. Marco van Ginkel is another player who was brought with the same thinking, and this is becoming Chelsea’s transfer policy over their conventional system of buying experienced players at exorbitant prices.

20-year old Lukaku was brought to Stamford Bridge by former manager Andre Villas-Boas for a fee in the region of £10 million from Anderlecht FC in Belgium. The fee brought along expectations from the striker, but due to the presence of club legend Didier Drogba in his final years at the club, and the UEFA Champions League in their sights, there was no room for then boss Roberto Di Matteo to place Lukaku in the squad. His pace and power have been some of his biggest assets, but his ability to attack aerially, finish exquisitely and knack to get past defenders brought him to the attention of some big clubs.

Lukaku had been tracked by Europe’s elite clubs during his time in his homeland. The talented striker spent last season at West Bromwich Albion, where he joined up with manager Steve Clark, who soon became a fan of his skills. Clark had been part of the Chelsea coaching staff for a long period, and inevitably has excellent relations with the club. Lukaku was one player who came in with big potential, but did not have the stage to showcase his talent due to Chelsea’s star studded squad. Clark took the tall youngster to the Hawthorns, where he scored 17 goals in 35 Barclays Premier League appearances for the club.

According to ESPN, Lukaku said, “I thought I would stay at Chelsea, but I was only 90 per cent sure.

“I had some doubts about the game time I would get. At my age, I absolutely have to play. The arrival of Samuel Eto’o had nothing to do with it.”

“Jose Mourinho called me and he was clear with me. It is better like that. I like it when a coach is honest. He is the best coach I have had. He wanted to make me better and did it with a firm hand. Together, we agreed that a loan was the best solution.”