Romelu Lukaku reveals why he wants to play for Jose Mourinho again ahead of £75m Manchester United move

The Portuguese sold him to Everton while manager at Chelsea

Romelu Lukaku has revealed he still retains a desire to work for and impress Jose Mourinho, despite the Manchester United manager getting rid of him during their time together at Chelsea.

The Belgian will formally complete his £75m move to Old Trafford this week, which could rise to a world-record fee with add ons, but was sold by Mourinho after making just 10 league appearances at Stamford Bridge.

During his three years in west London, the 24-year-old spent two season on loan at West Brom and Everton before being sold to the latter for £28m, leaving suggestions that Mourinho didn’t fancy him to spearhead his attack.

However, Lukaku has insisted the pair are on good terms again and understands the circumstances are different now to in 2014.

He told ESPN: “[Mourinho is] a guy who I wanted to play for since I was 10 years old, so now to have the opportunity to work under him again is great. We've been in contact. He explained to me how the club was like, what he expects from me.

“You know, we were together under different circumstances. Obviously, the first time when I met him, I was still a young kid, and I was eager to play. And he understood my decision why I left at the time.

“I returned on the pitch. Now I'm 24. I'm a grown man. He sees the maturity that has grown throughout the years, so I'm really thankful for the opportunity he gave me again.

“I think he wants to improve me, make me a better player than I am today, which is good. I always want to improve. I always want to work on the good stuff, but also the bad stuff.

“He knows how to make players better, and make players winners as well. For me, I think it's the perfect opportunity.

“I'm 24. I never won a major trophy, but I'm eager to win something and to be part of a team that wins trophies, and I think he's the right guy to help me in that.”