Lazio’s recent 3-0 Rome Derby win over AS Roma was the first for goalkeeper Pepe Reina. He had been part of numerous derbies over the course of his career, but this was his first shot at experiencing the uniqueness of the Rome Derby.
While there were no fans in attendance to watch the match, Reina still had a quality showing. He was not called upon very often due to Roma’s lackluster showing on the day, but he did record a pair of saves that helped preserve the clean sheet.
This was a key result for Lazio and one that Reina spoke further about to Radio Marca (via La Lazio Siamo Noi).
It was a result that is felt very much needed because it is an important rivalry, and we came out victorious. The three to zero was a surprise because they started as favorites. They are ahead of us in the standings and have had a more regular path. In a derby, there are no favorites but the bettors were betting on them.
Reina will be a free agent at the end of the season. But for now, retirement is not even a topic of discussion for the Spanish goalkeeper at this point.
Here I signed knowing that the competition would be healthy. I played more games than I expected, and I hope things continue this way.
I don’t dare to put an expiration date. I’m having a lot of fun, indeed much more every day because I have the knowledge that I have less. If it’s two or three years old, perfect, I’ll take advantage of it. When I no longer feel the butterflies, I’ll move on to something else.
The idea is to keep competing at the highest level as long as I can. If I spend three or four years at Lazio, I’ll finish here, and I’ll be happy.
Reina has recorded four clean sheets in 12 Serie A starts so far this season.
