Cherished once as a Lazio player, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone made an emotional return to the Stadio Olimpico, where he spent four years – winning one Serie A, Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italiana, and UEFA Super Cup each – at the turn of the century. Although the Rojiblancos were dealt a dagger at the death following Ivan Provedel’s last-minute equalizer, Simeone expressed his soft spot for the Biancocelesti.
Lazio give a warm welcome to Diego Simeone who won the 1999/00 Scudetto for the club 🇦🇷
“Rome and Lazio will always be your home…
Welcome back Cholo, our champion of Italy” 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/XRiCwi4Jfa
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) September 19, 2023
Speaking after the game (via Tuttomercatoweb), the Argentine manager revealed his emotions towards Lazio.
“The fans are incredible. I felt so much emotion at the start of the game, but also just walking into the stadium. I have this affection that will never die. The banner was beautiful, it touched my heart.”
👏❤️ Lazio welcomes Diego Simeone with a message in the stadium: ‘Welcome home, Cholo.’
[📸 @BaldiMarce] pic.twitter.com/waUkL2f2bh
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) September 19, 2023
Simeone was asked if he would like to coach of Lazio in the future.
“I always say that I’d love to rediscover the old sensations I had here, but as a coach. Now there is Sarri who is a great coach, and I am having a long journey at Atletico. My return was exciting though. What you leave as a person, as well as a player, is important. I will never forget the years spent in Rome.”
He also praised Provedel for the header that etched the goalkeeper into history books and rescued a point for his team.
“It seemed to me that there was a foul on Angel Correa, but instead the referee gave the free kick to Lazio. It was a great goal, especially when scored by a goalkeeper.”
The last-minute strike by Provedel meant Atletico are now winless in six UEFA Champions League matches. While Lazio and Atleti shared spoils in Group E, elsewhere Feyenoord beat Celtic 2-0.
 |
Follow us on Google News for more updates on Serie A and Italian football |