Lazio Talisman Regrets Turning Down Saudi Approaches This Summer

Lazio talisman Ciro Immobile is no longer convinced about his long-term prospects at the Stadio Olimpico after a troubled start to the season. In his latest interview with Il Messaggero, the injury-plagued striker admitted he could move to Saudi Arabia in the upcoming transfer window. 

Immobile was among a host of Serie A stars approached by the wealthy Saudi Arabian clubs in the summer. But unlike his former Lazio colleague Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, the 33-year-old frontman stayed immune to lucrative offers from the Middle East. Less than three months into the new campaign, he has seemingly regretted such a decision.

I decided to reject Saudi Arabia for the Champions League and the national team. However, this is a solution that I had considered,” the Lazio captain said, as relayed by Calciomercato. “Not everyone appreciated the gesture – this hurts me.” 

He also opened the door to leaving Lazio when the transfer window reopens for business in January. 

If I stay for life? Right now, I say yes and no. Now, I would say no because of the injury and because of my negative period. I was very convinced that I would stay for life. Now I’m a little less so.

Immobile has had an underwhelming start to 2023/24. He has scored just twice in seven Serie A matches. After missing out on his side’s 3-2 win over Atalanta on the cusp of October’s international break, one of the best Lazio players will skip Italy’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and England.

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