Alessio Romagnoli completed a long-awaited move to Lazio – the club he supported as a kid – ending a seven-year-long relationship with Milan, who he captained to Scudetto victory last season. The center-back signed a five-year deal with the Biancocelesti last week at Auronzo di Cadore, closing shut a year-long saga that witnessed its ups and downs.
In an exclusive interview to Lazio Style Channel, Romagnoli underlined his excitement at starting a new life in the Eternal City (via LazioNews24).
“I think it was the most emotional moment of my life. Wearing this shirt fulfils a childhood dream. I didn’t want to play just in Serie A, but with Lazio.”
The former Roma man then revealed his open support for Lazio despite starring in different sides.
“I think there’s nothing wrong with showing your support despite having played for other clubs. If someone shows respect and gives their best they can be open with their support for another team, as I was several times over the years.”
Romagnoli will don the number 13 jersey, previously worn by none other than the great Alessandro Nesta, whom Lazio were forced to sell to Milan back in the day in desperate circumstances.
“I’ve worn the number 13 for many years. Nesta was the greatest defender of all time, no one will ever be like him. He was exceptional and unrepeatable. Wearing his number is something important, it means a lot. I’ll try to do my best.”
“As for his transfer, at that time Lazio had financial problems and he was one of the sellable players, it was a big trauma for him but he did well and won everything with Milan. The regret is that we enjoyed him little because he could have given us much more joy, even though the happiness of seeing him still remains.”
The Italian center-back also reflected on his time with the Rossoneri.
“For the good of my career, it was right to go to Milan, the team was strong, the club was growing and I could see that we could win something. I’ve always said publicly that I would have liked to play with Lazio but I didn’t want to do it too far down the road.”
Romagnoli leaves Milan with 10 goals from 247 appearances, winning the Supercoppa Italiana in 2016 before conquering the biggest trophy in Calcio last season.
“My childhood dream has been realized, I didn’t want to play in Serie A, I wanted to play for Lazio.
My Nonna was a Lazio fan, as well as my dad. It’s the biggest emotion of my life, definitely my sporting life but also my life in general”
? Alessio Romagnoli ?? pic.twitter.com/J8MADZDBbe
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) July 19, 2022