Everton striker Romelu Lukaku has revealed he was close to joining Juventus.

The Belgium international was linked with a move away from Goodison Park all summer but the striker, who scored 25 goals in all competitions for the Toffees, opted against a move away from the Premier League.

"It stings a little [not being in European competition], but I'm someone who believes that everything happens for a reason," Lukaku said in an interview with Het Nieuwsblad.

"Otherwise I would have gone to Juventus instead of staying at Everton. But I opted for Everton because it was too early for Italy and I have not done badly here."