From today's Daily Mail:
I'll prove Mourinho was wrong to let me go on loan, says Lukaku (and I hope my goals help Everton finish higher than Chelsea)
By John Edwards
PUBLISHED: 04:54 EST, 8 October 2013 | UPDATED: 06:06 EST, 8 October 2013
Romelu Lukaku has opened up on Jose Mourinho's controversial decision to send him out on loan again and bluntly told him: 'I'll prove you wrong.'
The Belgium centre forward felt he was ready to make his mark under Mourinho after a successful spell at West Brom last season but instead the Chelsea manager allowed the 20-year-old striker, who models his game on former Stamford Bridge favourite Didier Drogba, to join Everton on a season-long loan.
In a frank appraisal that may not go down too well with Mourinho, Lukaku admitted he wants to outscore those still at Stamford Bridge – Fernando Torres, Demba Ba and Samuel Eto'o – and that he aims to help Everton finish higher than Chelsea in the Barclays Premier League this season.
Asked about the widespread surprise over his latest loan move, he told Belgian newspaper Nieuwsblad: 'I couldn't do much about it. The coach made his choice, and, as a player, you have to respect it. I went along with it, and it is now up to me to prove he was wrong.
'It has been two years in a row now, and it does make you question things and wonder why. But that's life. You just have to get on with it. The only thing I can do is play well and score as many goals as I can, and then maybe people will notice what I am about.'
Told that Mourinho had no regrets about letting him go and felt playing for Everton was different from Chelsea, Lukaku replied: 'What can I say? Everyone has their own opinion on things. I can only underline my case by scoring more goals than all the strikers currently at Chelsea, and that is what I will be striving to do this season.
'I hope my goals will help Everton finish higher than Chelsea. I am at Everton for the season, and I want to do as well as I possibly can for them. I also hope Jose Mourinho and I are both at Chelsea for a long time, because I want the best for Chelsea and I know he is a good coach.
'I think he makes his decisions in good conscience and with the intention of doing the best he can for the club. That's done now, and I can only concentrate on doing well at Everton.
'I had a good conversation with Roberto Martinez before joining them. He told me he would make me a better, smarter striker, and it was exactly what I wanted to hear. I think I am smarter already. My movement has improved, I am reading the game better and, as he promised, I am converting chances more efficiently.
'I knew I would settle well at Everton. I adjust to any new situation very easily, as I showed at West Brom last season. After a week here, I found a house near to where Kevin Mirallas lives.
'That helped me feel at home, and so too did the supporters' appreciation of the work I put in on the pitch. They can see that every time I pull on an Everton shirt, I try my best.
'I have a drive and ambition to be the best I can, but it's not just personal. I am always aware of responsibilities to the team, and I want to contribute to Everton having the best possible season while I'm here.'
Juventus and Borussia Dortmund both expressed an interest in Lukaku, prior to the transfer window shutting, but he made it clear he still sees his long-term future at Stamford Bridge.
'They are not exactly small clubs, and it is flattering to be linked with them,' he said 'I appreciate they feel I could handle playing at that level, but my goal has not changed. I want to succeed at Chelsea.'
