Tare Explains Lulic’s Lazio Departure: ‘The Word “Betrayed” Hurt Me’

Igli Tare explained the nature of Senad Lulic’s departure from Lazio and why he feels upset following the Bosnian’s recent interview.

Lulic told Corriere dello Sport yesterday that he felt angry and bitter following the expiry of his contract with the Biancocelesti, feeling as if he hadn’t been treated with enough respect considering his loyalty to the club.

Lulic underlined the lack of a testimonial and insensitive way that he was informed that his fate had been sealed in Rome as the major offending moments.

Speaking to Corriere dello Sport (via La Lazio Siamo Noi) today, Tare looked to explain why Lulic left Lazio when his contract expired last year.

The word betrayed hurt me, because it is not right. We’re talking about someone who was at Lazio for ten years and whom I took from Young Boys, convinced he would be perfect. We had a relationship that was always based on clarity and fairness.

In Simone’s penultimate year at Lazio, Senad’s contract expired. His family is already in Switzerland and that was where he wanted to live. We had a coffee and I informed him that the club would be ready to offer him another year.

Simone has always had a wonderful relationship with him. We are talking about his captain, a constant reference. Unfortunately he played very little that season, also because of the injury he mentioned.

The latter was much more serious than expected. At that time, sporting activity for him was very reduced.

In short, it was at that moment that we headed towards the natural conclusion of the relationship. After the match against Sassuolo, the last of the season, we spoke on the phone.

The Lazio sporting director spoke further about that phone call between him and Lulic.

On 30th June, again on the phone, I explained to Senad that the club was planning to start a rejuvenation process. It’s no coincidence that we were the oldest team in Serie A and in his position there was the intention to take someone eight years younger.

When he referred to Pedro in the interview, he mostly made an error of judgement. In fact, however, we are talking about another role and other technical requirements.

However, I told him that as soon as the stadiums reopened, the club would organise a ceremony at the Olimpico to bid him a fitting farewell in front of his people. He is in Lazio’s history and will be forever.

Finally, Tare confirmed his and Lazio’s desire to give Lulic a proper send off in the future.

When Senad wants to, when the time comes for him, the club will make itself available. Lulic cannot tarnish his Lazio history.

Lulic wrote himself into Lazio’s history books in May 2013, when he scored the winning goal in the Coppa Italia final against intercity rivals Roma. He ultimately spent 10 years with the club, making 371 appearances across all competitions.