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Because he saw that he couldnt get a start over an inferior Ba and Torres and then Eto'o arrives. I am sure there was some humour to that anyway but regardless he has not directly said he wants to leave because Costa is here. As I was saying, the most reliable source was that he wanted to fight for his place from Steve Holland. So it is unfair for people to put words in his mouth and say he wants out simply because Costa has arrived.

Mate, please can you give me a quote where he said he wants to leave because Costa has joined? I would really appreciate it if people stop basing their opinions on assumptions and actually hearing Lukaku's words. The last I heard, our own assistant manager said he wants to come back and fight for his place. I think it is becoming clear that Mourinho does not want him. He bought Costa as our no.1 striker which we all wanted but then he signs a 36 year old Drogba who in his words is still "one of the best strikers in Europe." Then there is Torres who despite how shit he has been at this club and who Mourinho to my shock started over Lukaku for 2 games last season despite Lukaku being the most in form striker. He obviously had Costa and Drogba as his no.1 and no.2 then presumably Torres as his 3rd choice. We play with 1 upfront. Lukaku is being pushed towards the exit door. Simple to me. Also once again why do people judge him as a finished article? He is clearly not. If you get 17 goals in the league at the age of 19 and 15 at the age of 21 and you don't see serious potential there something is wrong and very oblivious. He is heading for the top but some people are letting their personal hatred for him get in the way of their actual rating for him. If you went back in time when Costa was 21, you probably would have laughed your head off if you said in 5 years he would be a La Liga winner and scored over 30 goals. You know why because at the age of 20/21 guess where Costa was? In the second tier of Spain playing for Albacate. He started 34 games and scored 10 in the what? Second division. Following season in La Liga with Valladolid he scored 8 in 32 appearances. Now look at him now. Moral of the story: don't judge young players as the finished article because even Lukaku has things to work on, he is showing signs that he can turn out to be an excellent striker as not only did Lukaku have more goals at his age but also in the PL.

So because Real, Barca, PSG, Liverpool, United or Arsenal did not bid for him, that means something? How many teams bid for Pogba when he was out of contract? Not much and considering he was out of contract it begs the question more. That is irrelevant because after a few years leaving United he has proved himself that he is one of the best CM in the world. You could also ask the same about Costa. Did Barca, Real, Liverpool, Arsenal bid for him? They did not so that makes your point invalid. Also Drogba did not set the word alight at Galatasaraay. He was decent. I would rather a 21 year old HG player than a 36 year old for sure. I think people forget that Lukaku is only 4 months older than Bamford. Virtually the same age. He has got potential but I think some are overrating him. Let's see how he performs in the Prem before saying he can be better than Lukaku. Solanke is 16 and a long way of making an impact on the first team so I won't comment on him for now. We had many "potential to be" and "could of been" that have gone on to pastures new.

Wrong. He did play for us. In his first season he was kept in the reserves but made the odd prem appeance and few cup games and started 1 game at the end of that season. He made sub apperances this season. Also by miss I mean regret like same way United miss/regret Pogba. A player they had in their own hands but ultimately left and has become one of the best CM in the world. They regret losing him. Think it could be the same with Lukaku. I think we will and without having a dig at the club I hope we do regret it as I want him to achieve at his next club and show what he is capable of.

But tbh the general consensus this point last season was that Lukaku would lead the line against Hull. Even the likes of Cundy and fellow CFC tv pundits thought the same too because he was the most in form striker albeit at WBA but the other strikers had not exactly set the world alight. I was surprised to not see him start against Hull but because it was the first game I took it with a pinch of salt. When we had Villa I thought he would definitely start but Ba did and the next 2 games while he was given chances he did not start. Then Eto'o comes. I am not arguing with you that he was not given a chance last season as I believe he would have been given more due to the inconsistencies of the other strikers but due to not starting one of 4 games before Eto'o came in, surely Mourinho and fans can forgive him for that. He had such a dissapointing first season under AVB so it is understandable that he panicked and did not want to waste another season. I really empathise with him. But what I appreciate Lukaku for is for 1) owning up that he asked for the move but 2) saying he wants to come back here and fight for his place. So now I want him to be given a proper chance here by Mourinho keeping him here for a season because we know what he is capable of. I would feel so much better if we have a game where Costa might look out of place a bit and you got a guy like Lukaku coming on to wreak havoc. I can't bare to see Torres again and while I hope Drogba has still got it in him, I just feel it is better for the long term to have Lukaku and sets out a good example for other loanees.

Well yes he was given chances but imo he should have started at least one of those first 4 games. Especially considering the two other strikers we had at the time and none of them actually scored. But by a proper chance I mean letting him come back this season and shwoing that if you impress out on loan you have a chance of making it here. So when the likes of Chalobah, Kalas go on loan what sort of optimism will they have when they see what happened with the likes of Lukaku?

The thing that annoys me is that despite his flaws and communication with the media he is a top young forward and a HG player. I don't think he is a Balotelli type of player where you cannot work with his off the field problems. We could of worked on that. But it just disappoints me that sign him for around £18m. He goes on loan for 2 seasons running while our strikers have not set the world alight and then we sell him. I just find it ridiculous and does not set an example for younger players of breaking through. It basically shows 'I have talent but I will never make it at Chelsea because they will buy someone else as usual'. It is bloody frustrating. I know he did not come through our academy but we bought him at 18 with the sign of being our no.1 forward in the future. He has proved himself in the PL but what do we do sell him? If he comes back here we could easily manage to stop him communicating to the media. It is not that hard. It is really fickle for fans to believe his potential is limited. I doubt Costa was even scoring that much goals at 21. When Lukaku reaches Costa's age I won't be surprised to see him at a top club. Sturridge gone, we regretted and now Lukaku has gone... time will tell. Regardless of whether Costa does the business, we had a top young, HG talent who could have been a huge bonus for us for the upcoming seasons but like I said the arrival of a 36 year old Drogba pushes Lukaku to the exit door. Just don't get the reasoning behind this.

Skysources say he is moving closer to a permanent move to Everton. We won't realise how much we miss something till it's gone. Got a feeling this will be the same with Lukaku in a few years. I wish him good luck with his new chapter. Like so many names, one who was never given a proper chance despite a big investment. Real shame!

As known he is not a gung-ho type of manager but the level that people criticise him for his football is OTT. Sometimes we have looked very dull but we have not had the players. This season are team looks more complete. Natural full backs. Excellent playmaker. Also when we went to City, we outplayed them. You can't call that defensive football. When we went and beat City at the Etihad, a lot of our fans and neutrals would hav expected to see more defensive football but we really set the tempo and played excellent stuff. I was impressed. We didn't beat Arsenal 6-0 for nothing as well. Before the red card excuse is used by Arsenal fans we were 3-0 up when it was 11 against 11. Gibbs was sent of when it was 2-0 but if he was kept on it would have been 3-0 as Hazard scored the resulting pen so that is my reasoning behind why I said we were 3-0 up when it was 11 against 11. Like I said I am not going to lie and say he plays very attractive football but what he does when he has the right players for his sytem, you see an effective counter attacking play which is a joy to watch. Arsenal game last season was a prime example.

That is the problem. I am very doubtful Mourinho thinks he is ready. He has not given any signs he wants him back. We both agree that we want him back but the problem is I am not sure, contrary to what you say if he wants Lukaku around which will be a shame for me. TBH, I wouldn't class him MOTM after his E.T performance. He was a game changer but if you were to give a Belgiam the MOTM that game it would be KDB imo. Played the whole game. Scored and assisted. Lukaku was excellent when he came on though and could of scored a hattrick. But the MOTM that game for me and I assume most people was Tim Howard. Regarding Bamford, it is ludicrous to say he is better than Lukaku. I don't even think people should be going there.

Don't take this offensively but please do your research because that is rubbish.

He is a better ball playing defender, that is it. Zouma is better at almost everything else. You can't really come to conclusions like that when Zouma has been playing for a decent team in France top tier for around 3 seasons and Chalobah has played CB rarely. Mainly in friendlies. Out on loan he has figured in midfield.

He looks good but right now Lukaku is a better striker. Bamford has performed on loan in L1 and the Championship. Lukaku has got into double figures in the prem for 2 seasons running. You see the difference? The PL is much more competitive than the Championship. You can't also base much on friendlies because even last season Lukaku was our top scorer in friendlies iirc. I like Bamford but let's not jump to conclusions yet because he is not in the same league as Lukaku currently and has not been tested in the PL which is much more difficult.

Has a lot more pace than I thought. Made some excellent runs. Think he can grow in the LB position.

I beg you pardon? He has got a brilliant turn of pace. As shown with his goal and his goals at Atletico aswell.

I do think it is ridiculous and shows some arrogance if Mourinho does not want him in his plans this season because he asked for a loan move last season. I respect Mourinho a lot and I think is one of the top managers in the world but I will criticise the 'special one' when I feel it is deserved. Lukaku did not sulk out of the club. He thought it would be beneficial to himself and the club. As I said I am sure him and Mourinho left it on good terms as Lukaku said his plan was to come back and fight for his place. So if it is on the basis that Mourinho does not want Lukaku because he asked for a loan move last season, I stand by my comments.

I accept he asked for a loan but if Mourinho is not wanting Lukaku back because he was not willing to fight for his place, which you and several other members are indicating I reckon that is a ridiculous and arrogant stance for Mourinho to take. I was disappointed like anyone else when he left out on loan because I knew he could have helped us. He asked for a loan but if it was best for the club Mourinho should have let him stay. Also he impressed out on loan and should have caught Mourinho'e eye. When you perform you deserve praise or should be made to feel welcome. I don't see how you differ. 20 year olds are men, yes but come on in the football world he is young and has a lot to learn. But while he asked for a loan, Lukaku made it known that he wants to come back after his loan a better player and fighting for the striker's position. His exact words were: " I could have stayed and fought, but it was not about the competition. When you are a 20-year-old you need minutes. I lost my place in the national team because I did not play for a year with Chelsea. I want that position back. I want to be in a top team and play. You only get better if you play so the best thing was to leave." So yes he asked for a loan but at least you have a young player who is ambitious and willing to fight for his place. I am sure they left it on good terms when he left. Jose got irritated by his constant communications with the media. While he could have fought for his place, he feels he is benefiting himself and Chelsea by going out on loan. It was not as cowardly as some think. Hindsight he would have got a lot of chances but it is not as if he wasted a season. Mourinho would know from that meeting and Lukaku's words that there is a player wanting to come back and fight. That is fine enough for me. He praised Mourinho and said he wants to come back. I appreciate that and hold no form of grudge. He is our player now and he feared of wasting a year again. Year gone, he scored goals, we bring him back into our plans. It is that simple. I can't see why Mourinho would hold any grudge against him. As I said I don't think it is for non-football reasons solely why he does not want him here because Lukaku has the intention to fight for his place this season. Football should be based on a players performance and not on what he said or asked for. He did not say anything that was criminal ffs. His attitude could have been more work-ethic to fight for his place but at least he showed and said he wants to come back and fight for his place. Fine by me. People need to get over themselves just because he asked for a loan. He said he wanted to come back here and return a better player. That shows an attitude of someone willing to achieve and get better and better.

No but he could come out and say he wants Lukaku to be part of his first team squad and he is big part of his plans. That does not mean he will guarantee him starts but if he gives him a vote of confidence Lukaku would surely get a real boost and definitely be assured about staying. Have you heard Mourinho in the last few months compliment Lukaku about scoring goals at Everton or give a slightest indication he wants him back? If Mourinho is not doing that it indicates to me that Mourinho is not sure of him. He is a young kid who has proved himself out on loan again and while I am not stating he should be a starter, it should be enough for Mourinho to say he wants him back competing with Lukaku for the striker's position but no word whatsoever. Sometimes the biggest boost for a player is receiving praise from their manager. As for asking for a move last season.... yeah he could have fought for his place but so bloody what. He wanted a loan because he thought it would be best for him. Yes he could have stayed and would of most definitely get more chances but he probably just looked on the pessimistic side and saw that if he could not start the first 4 games when Eto'o was not even a registered Chelsea player and we had only Torres and Ba plus playing Schurrle upfront, what hope does he have when another striker (Eto'o) arrives. Not much. We move on. If there is some grudge being held against him for that it is ridiculous. Move on. Rooney asked to leave twice. Yes he is proven but who gives a fuck, he scored goals and that pleases the fans and all is forgotten once they provide for the team. Lukaku was a 20 year old kid when he asked for the move so I would not even compare Ash, Drogba and Lamps because at a similar age when they just want to play football and live up to their potential they could have possibly done the same. I wouldn't even compare the two situations. As to the respone to the bolded part, I am not talking about last season, I am talking about this upcoming season. Holland said that he wants to come back and fight for his place. But you have not heard anything from Mourinho saying he wants him back. Maybe he has thought that he is willing to give a prolonged period to wait for his chance. Everyone does things they regret. He does not regret the loan move. He has come back with the ability to prove he can score goals and that is the evidence why he says he wants to fight for his place. Also for the people cursing him, saying "fuck him" etc, just.....

That is the problem. There is no stability or patience. If that is our attitude the youth players could interpret it the same way. They might perceive that they will never get a chance because of that very reason. We will always buy without giving the young talent a chance. He more than most of the young ones at the Bridge should stay. Also funny how majority of people are still calling him a coward. Have you heard him say he wants to leave? I have not. Like I said and will say again, it was indicated that he wants to stay and fight for his place. He is not forcing a move. Some people just don't want to accept the possibility that Mourinho does not want him here. I don't think Mourinho wants 4 strikers next season when we will be starting with 1 for majority of the season. Buying Drogba means he obviously is forcing one of Torres or Lukaku out. It is that simple. Lukaku is the one with the most value and he has scored goals and is still only 21 so common sense would be he stays here but who knows. But with Torres unlikely to move it is likely that Lukaku will go. As for the people who say Drogba's arrival has nothing do with Lukaku's potential departure. Of course it does. Yes he may look up to him but Lukaku is not a kid. He can get guidance but he is not going to need that for a whole season when he has been scoring goals in the PL for fun for the last 2 seasons. It is ridiculous to think that Drogba will mentor him for a whole season. Like Mourinho said, Drogba has been brought in to add quality. Lukaku imo is being forced out. He realistically could be 4th choice striker here. Until people hear Lukaku say he wants to leave, this coward nonsense needs to stop because right now I think he is being forced out because we have too many strikers.

Who said Lukaku is not willing to fight for his place? That is rubbish imo. It is good having Costa but it is also ideal having impact players like Lukaku who can also start cup games and start some league games. I would rather that than have Drogba in his place. I appreicate everything Didier has done here but he is not the future and Lukaku is. That is why i would prefer Lukaku here. As I said I reckon Mourinho just is not ready to give Lukaku a proper chance. Lukaku wants to stay but it looks like he won't be guaranteed 2nd choice striker let alone first. If we sell him that is proof that Mourinho was not ready to give him a proper chance. Especially when it was said he wants to fight for his place but Mourinho goes and buys a 36 year old Drogba. And imo that is either forcing one of Torres or Lukaku out. If Torres stays and Lukaku stays that says it all. Needs no explanation. Costa and Lukaku would be perfect for next season. I'm just not sure Mourinho views it the same way.

The worse thing with Sturridge is that everyone knew he was going to succeed elsewhere. It was not a surprise to no one. But he should of had more chances to start up front. I cannot blame him. The thing that annoys me is that I know if we let Lukaku go he will score bagful of goals elsewhere and it will once again beg the question as to why he was let go. But even with Sturridge not willing to sign an extension, we surely don't want another situation where we let a player with loads of potential leave when he is ours. It was indicated that he did not want to join Everton as he wants to fight for a first team place here. Holland almost confirmed that. If he is assured by Mourinho that he will get his chance he will stay, it is as simply as that. You would have thought after last season it was a no-brainer for him to remain herr but same situation arises again and it is bloody frustrating. He has got 2 years but I would rather the board just make sure he stays here this season and Lukaku will see for himself how he feels this season goes. If he is happy and proves himself he will sign a contract extension imo.

LOL and like Sturridge proved we could have kept him but wasted our time on fucking ..... Fernando Torres. You might not care but Sturridge could have been a genuine, English talent here. He still got into double figures for us whilst playing majority of games out of position but guess what we sold him and look how good he has proved to be. Almost scored more goals than all our strikers put together last season. It just does not send a good message if we buy top talent then ship them on. We have loaned him out for 2 successive seasons. He has scored so when you say what has he done to show he wants to succeed? He has scored goals ffs and reached double figures. We would benefit from him being here but how it feels to me is that he is being pushed out. Holland had to speak about Lukaku returning, not Mourinho. Mourinho clearly is the one who is edging him out, not Lukaku because like I said the way Mourinho came out and complimented Drogba at 36 as still being "one of the best strikers in Europe" says it all. Has there been any vote of confidence in Lukaku from Mourinho? Never. I know which stance I take here. He wants to play and prove himself but once again he gets kicked in the teeth. I am just hoping the rumous of him leaving are rubbish. Holland said last week that he will return to pre-season and then after a decision will be made. I would rather Costa, Lukaku and Torres than Costa, Drogba and Torres. Drogba will be gone next season and if Lukaku goes we will definitely splash out money for a new striker.

You will be bothered in a few years when many of the top strikers of now enter their 30s and he is scoring goals for fun and proving himself as one of the best strikers around. Only time will sell but it is amazing how many fickle fans there are. Judging a 21 year old striker as the finished article. Amazing really. Patience is not there for some people.

He said he wants to fight for his place. Maybe it is Jose just not wanting him. When Drogba arrived in the week he stated in his own words that he believes he is one of the best strikers in the world. When have you ever heard Mourinho compliment Lukaku? Mourinho imo wants Costa, Drogba and unfortunately Torres as his main strikers. While Lukaku might want to stay, Mourinho might just want the transfer fee. Anyway nothing surprises me with how we treat and sell on players who deserve to stay. This is probably another one which we will look back on in regret.

He said he wants to stay and fight for his place. It seems if he goes it is down to Mourinho. If we had got Shaw the HG rule would not be as much bother but it is clear that we need to take the HG rule seriously, especially for the UCL. But if Everton make a huge bid got a bad feeling we will sell. We should keep him along this season regardless. I can't see him wanting to leave unless he feels pushed out as 3rd striker once again. But even with Drogba here I am hoping this is a boost for Lukaku.