Romelu Lukaku has claimed that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wanted to keep him at Manchester United last summer but he "didn't have the energy" to remain at Old Trafford.
The Belgium international ended his two-year spell at United by joining Inter Milan ahead of the 2019-20 campaign.
Lukaku has impressed for Antonio Conte's side, scoring 23 times in 35 appearances in all competitions.
United did not sign a direct replacement for the 26-year-old last summer, and the forward has said that contrary to reports, Red Devils boss Solskjaer was keen to keep him at the club.
"One bad year can happen to everybody in their career. It was just done for me. You know what happened behind the scenes, it was just done. For me it was done," Lukaku said in a YouTube interview with Ian Wright.
"It was a difficult situation where for myself I had to make a decision where I have to go somewhere where I can learn other aspects of my game and work with somebody that wanted me as well.
"Ole wanted me to stay, but I told him it was over. I didn't have the energy. All credit to him because he's been a man and he helped me make the move away."
Lukaku scored 42 goals in 96 appearances for the Red Devils in all competitions.
Matt Law
