Alessio Romagnoli was all smiles when discussing his move to Lazio, underlining his lifelong support for the club and his ambitions in Rome.
The 27-year-old Italian centre back signed a five-year contract with the Biancocelesti last week, finally confirming a move to the Eternal City after months of negotiations. Whilst things looked uncertain at points, it was always clear that Romagnoli was desperate to join the club he’s supported since he was a boy.
Speaking to Lazio Style Channel (via LazioNews24), Romagnoli first expressed his happiness at the move to Lazio.
I think it was the most emotional moment of my life. Wearing the Lazio shirt fulfils a childhood dream. I didn’t want to play in just Serie A, but with Lazio.
He explained his open support for the Biancocelesti, something that came up during his time with Milan.
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.
The Italian defender discussed his decision to wear the number 13 shirt and his thoughts regarding Alessandro Nesta’s move to Milan all those years ago.
I’ve worn the number 13 for many years. Nesta was the greatest defender of all time, no one will ever be like him. For an era he was exceptional and unrepeatable. Wearing his number is something important, it means a lot. I’ll try to do my best.
Nesta’s 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 to win 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. I met him through friends.
These days I haven’t spoke with him, I tried to isolate myself from everything and everyone. I tried to remain calm and close out the deal.
Romagnoli touched on his first time at the Stadio Olimpico.
I was really young, maybe it was 1999. My father used to take me there a lot.
He looked back at Lazio’s Scudetto celebrations in 2000.
I wasn’t there because there were no tickets. I enjoyed it from home, one of the best days ever. Then how the victory came is just as beautiful. I was sad not to go to the stadium.
He reflected on why he didn’t celebrate when scoring the winning penalty for Milan in a Coppa Italia game against Lazio a few years ago.
Respect for my support and my ideals goes beyond anything, I would never have done it. Respect is the first thing. I’ve always respected this club and this shirt. Not celebrating was very natural.
Romagnoli commented on some recent contact he’s had with Danilo Cataldi and Ciro Immobile.
Ciro and Danilo were slaughtering me with calls, I was very pleased. To have this warmth from teammates who make declarations of love is spectacular. It was impossible not to accept.
The Italian centre back 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.
Every time I played against Lazio, though, with Tare we talked. ‘Two years’, ‘One year’ then ‘Six months’, when we played in the Coppa Italia. I wish this idea could’ve became reality.
I’ve always said publicly that I would have liked to play with Lazio but I didn’t want to go too far down the road.
Now I feel the time has come. I have a serious groin problem but I want to give more than 100% to this shirt.
Romagnoli spoke about his most emotional moment with the Lazio fans.
The greatest demonstration of affection, before arriving at Lazio, came with the banner displayed by the Curva Nord in a Coppa Italia match. To receive a message like that as an opponent, but without ever having been a Biancoceleste player, was beautiful.
He commented on why he decided to leave Rome earlier in his career and the famous picture of him wearing the ‘Eagle’ shirt.
Leaving Rome was an important step because I was going to a great club like Milan.
That was one of the most beautiful shirts made by Lazio in my opinion and I rightly wanted to remember that moment.
Finally, Romagnoli spoke one more time about his childhood memories of Lazio.
Even as a child I went to the stadium, my dad was Lazio. It means wearing the shirt I always dreamt of.
