Claudio Lotito was in Piedmont to accept the Viareggio Sports award for his work steering Lazio through difficult economic conditions to become one of the most stable and prosperous clubs in Italy. “This prize is a testament to the many years of hard work we’ve done to reconcile economic and sporting results. Lazio is the only Italian club to close every year in the black without failing to be competitive.”
The Lazio president then also touched upon a variety of topics from the state of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, to the state of the club and his prized striker Ciro Immobile. “In modern football, it is very difficult for a player to tie themselves for life to one club, but Lazio is a good club to be. Our players are exhibiting great commitment and our recent investments in infrastructure at Formello are certainly also convincing them to stay. Unfortunately, Lazio cannot compete with the economic power of Barcelona and Real Madrid so when the conditions arise which are impossible to pass up, we’ll deal with it.”
The Lazio number one explained that the infrequent nature of the national team call-ups does not work well for Ciro Immobile. The Lazio striker scores goals prolifically for the biancocelesti but seems to struggle with the national team. “He’s a sensitive lad who thrives in a family setting. He needs a close daily rapport in order to play his best” explained Lotito.
As for his achievements since taking control of the club 15 years ago, Lotito responded in quintessential Lotito style – “… the facts are incontrovertible … I took a team that was earned €84 million, was losing €86.5 million and had €550 million in debts. Today it has significant assets, including €200 million in real estate and €600 million in players. The club has the potential for exponential growth – these are the facts…. This club, since I’ve been in control, besides the economic results, has also won the most after Juventus, Inter, and Milan. Everyone can think what they wish, but I feel we’ve done a good job.”
