Belgium's all-time record goalscorer Romelu Lukaku has revealed why he decided to snub a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia in the recent transfer window.
Check Out: Top Five Leagues: The 12 Leading Scorers This Season So Far
The 30-year-old was among a list of high-profile players targeted by the big-spending Saudi clubs earlier this year, but he instead chose to join Roma on loan from Chelsea in order to continue playing in Europe.
Lukaku initially looked to be returning to Inter Milan in a permanent transfer, but eventually penned a one-year deal with Jose Mourinho's side, a move that earned him plenty of criticism in Milan.
The Belgium international has since admitted to being flattered by the approach from Saudi, where Al Hilal were pursuing his signature, but revealed he did not feel it was the right time to leave the continent.
"I was honoured by their interest, but after the conversations we had, I was not completely convinced," he said, according to the Daily Mirror.
"The league will become one of the biggest in the world, but I didn't want to leave Europe yet. I knew full well what was going to happen this summer and there were a few clubs I certainly would not go to.
"Ultimately, you have to consider what happened in recent years on a football and personal level, which is why I made my choice."
Check Out: Official: Rooney Gets Job In England!
Lukaku has been in fine form for Roma this season so far, having scored seven goals in his first eight appearances in all competitions for the club, amid rumours Chelsea have drastically reduced their asking price for the forward.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments
WATCH VIDEO:
