Romelu Lukaku has claimed he could have joined Juventus in the summer transfer window but opted to stay at Everton.
Chelsea are understood to have tried to re-sign Lukaku, who Everton reportedly valued at £75million.
The Belgium international admits he is unhappy without European football and suggests he could still leave Goodison Park next summer.
“It stings a little [not being in Europe], but I’m someone who believes that everything happens for a reason,” Lukaku said in an interview with 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.
“Now we have a new coach and it is completely different from Mr [Roberto] Martinez, but I think we can make progress under Ronald Koeman. It may be the last step and then look further.
“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.”
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