Jose Mourinho Explains Romelu Lukaku and Victor Moses' Loan Departure

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has explained the reasoning behind the loan departures of Romelu Lukaku and Victor Moses after the pair completed deadline day moves to Everton and Liverpool respectively.

Since joining the Blues in the summer of 2011, Lukaku has had a peripheral role at Stamford Bridge, spending last season on loan at West Bromwich Albion where he scored 17 goals in the Premier League.

Moses joined from Wigan Athletic last summer but failed to nail down a place in the club's first team but did score 10 goals in 46 appearances as Chelsea finished third in the Premier League and won the Europa League.

Mourinho has signed a host of attacking players since returning to west London for a second spell in charge including Samuel Eto'o, Andre Schurrle and Willian and the Portuguese boss says both season-long loan moves have the best interests of the players at heart.

"I think it's time for everyone to stop talking about selling and buying players," Mourinho stated.

"There are always little things to do on the last day, people to leave. We have to think about the club, but we also have to think about what is best for the players individually.

"We decided Moses and Lukaku - two players we were more than happy to keep - that it's better for the club and the future of the players if they go on loan.

"With Lukaku, we have Fernando (Torres), (Samuel) Eto'o and Demba (Ba). Of course he would get playing time, but it's the choice of playing basically every weekend.

"He had lots of clubs and options, and we have to respect his decision."

Previously, Mourinho had stated that Lukaku and Belgian compatriot Kevin de Bruyne would play a part in the Chelsea's first-team plans this term following season-long loan spells but while the latter has made three starts already this season, the former will again be loaned out.

But Lukaku told Sky Sports News: "I am very glad.

"I read that some said I was not happy but I am very happy - this is a club that can bring me a lot, and I can bring a lot too.

"I still hope to grow and bring a lot to this team."

The 50 year old has added that he blocked a move for Ba to join Arsenal on loan after the Gunners secured a deal for Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid, with Mourinho now considering the London rivals as genuine title contenders.

Lukaku and Moses joined the list of 22 other players to be loan out by Chelsea for this season, a mass group which includes new signing Christian Atsu, January addition Wallace and Thibaut Courtois who stays at Atletico Madrid for a third year.