Romelu Lukaku claims he opted against a move to Juventus in order to stay at Everton.
Belgium international Lukaku joined Everton from Chelsea in 2014 for a reported club record fee of £28million after an impressive loan spell at Goodison Park.
"It stings a little [not being in Europe], 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.
"Now we have a new coach and it is completely different than with Mr [Roberto] Martinez, but I think we can make progress under Ronald Koeman. It may be the last step and then look further.
"I knew of the interest of a few clubs, it was quickly very clear that Everton would not let me go. It was important to me that I remained calm, and I did.
"I said to myself that I will do my best and who knows what will happen in the future."
"I tell [agent] Mino [Raiola] what I think about it [contract renewal] and eventually we have to make the decision that is best for me," added Lukaku.
"For me football is not about money – I want to win prizes. But when I get into a situation where I can leave but my team will not let me, I'm not someone who misses training, gets fined and develops a bad reputation.
"I try to remain calm and treat my club with respect. Hopefully they also treat me with respect and I can leave through the front door."
