Luis Maximiano suggested that it’s ‘the dream of many’ to play at Lazio and underlined his intentions to work to justify a starting spot.
The 23-year-old Portuguese shot stopper joined the Biancocelesti last month from Granada in a deal worth around €10m. Maximiano signed a five-year deal with Lazio and he’ll be hoping to become a nailed-on starter under Maurizio Sarri following the departures of Pepe Reina and Thomas Strakosha.
Speaking at his unveiling (via LazioNews24), Maximiano first discussed the fact that he’s the first Portuguese goalkeeper to play for Lazio.
The truth is that there is always a first time, I’m excited and I hope it’s the beginning of a great story. I’m happy to follow in the footsteps of my compatriots here.
He reflected on the deal that brought him to Rome.
I generally don’t follow the news much, but when my agent called me I immediately said yes, it is the dream of many to play here.
I know there is a lot to learn here, there is a lot of work on technique that’s also why I chose Italy.
The 23-year-old spoke about some of the differences in the styles of goalkeeping.
There are technical differences in goalkeeping outside Italy, I’m working and learning. But for what we are doing, it won’t take me long.
Maximiano underlined his desire to fight for a starting spot.
I think there are no guaranteed positions. You have to work hard every day, because otherwise the others will overtake you.
He touched on some of his goalkeeping inspirations.
The Italian tradition has very strong goalkeepers, I grew up watching Buffon. I would like to learn from everyone, not just from one in particular.
Finally, Maximiano discussed how he feels playing with the ball at his feet.
The ball circulates a lot, passing through the goalkeeper’s feet, and that’s exactly what Sarri asks of me.
Maximiano has started well in Rome but the pre-season shows that he still needs a little more time to fully adapt to Sarri’s system.
