Ex-Lazio Midfielder Parolo: “During the Season I Was Thinking About Renewing”

Former Lazio midfielder Marco Parolo recounted his fond memories with the Biancocelesti and his future.

Speaking in an interview with Italian radio broadcaster Radiosei (via La Lazio Siamo Noi) earlier today, the 36-year-old Italian midfielder first remembered the happy years he spent with the Biancocelesti.

Many wonderful memories, from the first goal at the Olimpico a few days after the birth of my son to the brace against AC Milan and the goals in the Champions League. But above all, winning trophies.

When I arrived, I saw the trophies written on the walls, I thought ‘if I pass through here, I must leave my mark and I must win’. After losing three finals I wasn’t sure I could do it, but then we did.

It was even better coming back from Napoli in the first year, we had achieved something even though there was no mention of the top four in the Champions League.

I’m happy to have been part of a path of growth and to have contributed to getting it back to the level it deserves.

I remember Lazio v Empoli in the first year when there were 50,000 people at the stadium, a full Olimpico is incredible.

He touched on the Biancocelesti’s incredible title challenge in the 2019/20 season, which was derailed by the Covid-19 pandemic and resulting lockdown.

Playing one game a week allowed us to be ready every time and then we weren’t thinking about what we were doing. We didn’t have to prove it, Covid showed us that we were strong.

If you’re not used to it, you have a little more hesitation. We went back to playing every three days, the temperatures were different, so many little things for which we didn’t find the balance we had before.

Then in football everything you did on Sunday is already over by Monday. In certain situations, you learn from these moments. If you’re carefree you go, your energy increases, afterwards your energy decreases.

Parolo touched on if a contract renewal with the Roman club was ever a possibility.

During the season I was thinking about renewing but a lot depended on the following season.

With the arrival of Sarri it is right that a new cycle is opened, that the reference figures become others and that they take more responsibility. It’s right that Sarri should create his own world.

The 36-year-old Italian midfielder then moved onto discussing the departures of both himself and Simone Inzaghi.

There was something to change, I don’t know if it was the coach or the players. After so many good, successful years we needed to shake things up.

I’m not surprised, I think it’s the right choice, but I won’t comment on the method. My role could have been more useful if a different coach had been hired, perhaps a more up-and-coming one.

Sarri is on autopilot and knows exactly what to do, it’s right that he has his points of reference. I hope with all my heart that he does well.

The former Cesena man commented on his future and if he’s ready to retire yet or not.

I still want to play, I’m waiting to understand the best solution. I have a few goals I want to reach, like scoring 50 goals in Serie A, I’m at 44.

The future path as a coach is something that I have in my head, I did the course to move forward and not to do it immediately.

He spoke further about former coach Simone Inzaghi, who is now Inter’s head coach.

If you want to do a five-year cycle there must be someone who is in charge and decides. The willingness of the whole squad to play ‘out of position’ is what led us to achieve certain results.

It was part of the type of work that the coach had set up over the years, that is, to ask the players to be as willing as possible and the players have always responded.

Parolo discussed new coach Maurizio Sarri and the work that he must carry out with the team.

Sarri must be given time to build a mini-cycle. If Lazio is fixed in Europe now there is the next step, which is the Champions League.

It’s a very difficult objective but it can also lead you to improve the team more and more and be attractive for other players who can lead you to win the Scudetto.

It’s a gradual process. The Europa League should not be snubbed. I give myself a beating in Salzburg every time because I think it’s impossible.

I’ve always told Ciro that the problem is that he scored, we weren’t mature enough.

He spoke about his relationship with Lazio’s management.

We’ve remained on very good terms, there’s the utmost respect.

In football you don’t know how things go, but we have a great relationship.

Finally, Parolo spoke about the various media attacks on Lazio and their squad.

That compacted us more in that moment, everyone was needed. At Lazio, if you’re intelligent, it’s a rather muffled world.

Ciro then responded magnificently. Even Barella’s goal was down to Ciro staying on the ground and making Vermaelen waste time.


MORE: Napoli Pull Out of Race to Sign Bordeaux Midfielder & Lazio Target Basic

MORE: Lazio Agree to Pay West Ham €3m for Felipe Anderson, Italian Media Suggest

Tags Biancocelesti Inzaghi Italy Lazio Marco Parolo Maurizio Sarri Parolo Sarri Serie A Simone Inzaghi