Jose Mourinho says Romelu Lukaku is out on loan again, because the player himself pleaded for the chance to try his luck elsewhere.

The Belgian, who missed the decisive penalty in last month's Super Cup defeat to Bayern Munich, spent a hugely successful season on loan at West Brom last year learning about life in the Premier League.

The striker is keen to keep learning and a move to Everton suits everyone, according to the Chelsea boss, who said the decision was: 'Not so hard, because it was something he was very keen to do.'

“The kid wants to play every weekend,” said Mourinho.

“I don’t know if Roberto [Martinez] promised him that, but the kid is more keen on that than competing with other big players for a position.

“He’s a great kid and that’s why we don’t want to sell him. We had good proposals to do it. We all believe he is a player for many years at Chelsea.”

The Blues boss added: “He was the first one to knock on the door for that. We signed Samuel [Eto'o] and it was a good way to resolve the situation. We kept three experienced players for a position that demands a lot.”

Chelsea play Lukaku's adopted side tomorrow, but will not have to face him at Goodison Park under the terms of the loan deal.

 Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest Chelsea news.