Football News

Lukaku “boredom” contributed to Man Utd exit, says Belgium boss Martinez

By Harry Edwards

Published: 17:22, 28 August 2019 | Updated: 22:20, 14 December 2022

Boredom contributed to Romelu Lukaku’s exit from Manchester United, according to Belgium manager Roberto Martinez.

The Belgian striker made the switch from Old Trafford to the San Siro in August, joining Inter Milan for £74m in August.

Why did Lukaku leave Man Utd? Five things to know…

  • Romelu Lukaku signed for Manchester United from Everton in 2017.
  • The Belgian spent two years at Old Trafford, scoring 42 goals in 96 games.
  • Lukaku had been linked with a move away from United last season.
  • A £74m move to Inter Milan was confirmed in August.
  • And Belgium manager Roberto Martinez believes the forward was bored at United.

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It brought to an end a two-year spell with Manchester United, during which Lukaku scored 42 goals in 96 games, though 27 of those came in his debut campaign.

His second season at United also brought rumours of unhappiness and links with a ‘dream‘ move to Serie A as the Red Devils struggled in the Premier League.

And Belgium boss Martinez believes Lukaku started to become bored with life at United.

“Romelu needed a new challenge,” he said. “Sometimes you get bored of a club.

“Working with Conte will please him and the project of Inter, who will chase the title, is interesting. I saw Lukaku laugh again and it made me happy.”

Speaking on his arrival at Inter, Lukaku revealed the club’s project as his reason for choosing the Nerazzurri, while also citing Antonio Conte as another aspect.

Conte had previously tried to sign Lukaku while manager of Chelsea in 2017, but the Belgian opted to leave Everton for Manchester United.

“I chose Inter because of the club’s project,” he said.

“I think Inter are heading in the right direction and I needed a new challenge. Here, the foundations are there to do well.

“Through my commitment and my desire to perform, I want to help this team achieve big things. I won’t get ahead of myself, but I hope we’ll have achieved great results come the end of the season.

“Yes, the coach was a key factor. He’s the best coach in the world: he manages to improve his players, while his career speaks for itself.”

Lukaku at Inter

Having failed to score in his last eight appearances for Manchester United across all competitions, Lukaku will have wanted to get off to a quick scoring start for his new club.

And that’s exactly what the Belgian did, opening his Inter account on his Serie A debut against Lecce on Sunday. This came despite reports Lukaku was ‘too overweight’ to start the first game of the season and meant the Belgian extended his record of goalscoring debuts.

Lukaku has now scored on his first league appearance for his last four clubs, adding Inter to the list of Manchester United, Everton and West Brom.