Romelu Lukaku 'is a natural fit for Manchester United' hails Jose Mourinho after he completes £75m Everton transfer to become English football's most expensive striker

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Jose Mourinho completed his £75million capture of Romelu Lukaku on Monday and then taunted Chelsea that the Belgium striker has joined ‘the biggest club’.

Manchester United formally signed Lukaku on a five-year contract with the option of another 12 months in a deal that could rise to £90m with two sets of add-ons totalling £15m, potentially making him the world’s most expensive player.

Mourinho hijacked his old team Chelsea to sign the 24-year-old from Everton and then said: ‘He is a natural fit for Manchester United. He is a big personality and a big player. It is only natural that he wants to develop his career at the biggest club.

Romelu Lukaku has completed his move to Manchester United from Everton for £75million

Lukaku has signed a five-year deal at United, worth in the region of £200,000-per-week

The 24-year-old's contract also includes the option to extend it further by another year

The £75million transfer fee means Lukaku is now the most expensive striker in English history

‘He will be a great addition to the group and I know they will make him very welcome. I am really looking forward to working with him again.’

Completion of the deal was confirmed an hour before Lukaku trained with his teammates for the first time at Drake Stadium on the UCLA campus in Los Angeles where United are on tour. He is set to make his debut in the opening game against LA Galaxy this weekend.

Lukaku has been on holiday in the Californian city with Paul Pogba and admitted that his close friend, who joined United for £89m a year ago, helped convince him to choose Old Trafford ahead of Stamford Bridge.

‘It’s been a big role,’ said Lukaku. ‘He is one of my best friends and my neighbour too so we are always together on a daily basis.

‘He would explain to me how things were going and last year when he signed for United. To have witnessed that, it really triggered something in my brain that if one day the chance could occur, I would not say no.

‘When Manchester United and Jose Mourinho come knocking at the door it is an opportunity of a lifetime and one that I could not turn down.’

The Belgium international will take the No 9 shirt worn by Zlatan Ibrahimovic last season

He will join up with his new team-mates in LA on their pre-season tour across the Atlantic

Lukaku revealed that he will wear the No 9 jersey at United next season after asking Zlatan Ibrahimovic, another client of agent Mino Raiola, for permission to inherit his number.

‘I asked for the No 9 because I’m a striker,’ added Lukaku. ‘I asked the permission of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. I want to thank him, as well, for allowing me to wear that number.’   

Describing his move to United, Lukaku hailed it as the 'opportunity of a lifetime' while also paying his respects to Everton.

'I would like to start by thanking Everton and the fans for the last four wonderful seasons, I have made some special friends and we have shared some amazing moments,' Lukaku told United's official website.

Lukaku took to Instagram on Monday to hail his move to the Theatre of Dreams

After praising Everton, he added: 'You could see the fight, determination and the spirit in this team during the Europa League final and I want to become a part of that. 

'I cannot wait to run out at Old Trafford in front of 75,000 fans but before that pre-season is where the hard work starts and I am looking forward to that first training session.'

Shortly after official confirmation, the powerful striker took to Instagram to reveal his delight writing: 'I want to thank God for this opportunity! Blessed and delighted to be part of the best football club in the world! @manchesterunited.'

On Sunday night, Lukaku - who joined Everton in 2013 before sealing a permanent move to the Toffees a year later - had thanked the Goodison Park outfit for the four years he spent in the blue half of Merseyside.

On Sunday night, Lukaku posted a farewell message to Everton fans thanking them

Lukaku said he was 'proud' to play for Everton during his four-year spell at the club

He said on Instagram: 'I want to say a big thank you to all the people involved at Everton. 

'I want to thank the fans for your support throughout the four years we've spent together. 

'You guys helped me through all my games and I can proudly say it was an honour to play in front of you. 

'To the staff at the the stadium and training ground, thank you for making me feel at home from the first day I walked in. To my team-mates it was great to play with you guys. To technical staff thank you for helping me become a better player.

'Working with you guys has been a pleasure and I'll take your advice throughout the rest of my career. Thank you Everton Football Club.'

Ironically 'Forever Everton', a popular Goodison Park chant, accompanies the post along with pictures of Lukaku donning the club's colours. 

Lukaku, who scored 87 goals in 166 games at Everton, underwent a medical in Los Angeles at the weekend before his move became official.

 Lukaku completed his medical with United in America on Sunday ahead of his transfer