Mourinho criticises Lukaku's mentality

Cape Town - Jose Mourinho has blamed Romelu Lukaku’s lack of professional commitment as his reason for selling the striker to Everton.

Read: Lukaku signs for Everton

The Mirror reports that Lukaku and Mourinho have had a strained relationship for some time and when it became clear that the two could not work together, Chelsea decided to cash in on the young striker. 

When quizzed for his comment on the transfer, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho said:  “The thinking was, first of all, the fact that Romelu was always very clear with us that in his mentality and his approach he was not highly motivated to come to a competitive situation at Chelsea."

“He wanted to play for Chelsea but clearly only as the first choice striker and at a club of our dimension it’s very difficult to promise a player that status." said Mourinho.

Lukaku agreed to a five-year deal worth £75,000 per week to join the Toffees.

He scored 15 goals last season during an impressive league campaign for Everton.

Roberto Martinez landed Lukaku on a £25 million deal which could rise to £28 million if Lukaku reaches a specific goal target or the club finishes inside the top four this season.

“This is the best place for me to grow and develop as a footballer." said the Belgian on his return to Finch Farm, the Everton training base.