Luiz Felipe Reflects on Lazio Departure: ‘I Wanted a Change’

Luiz Felipe looked back at his departure from Lazio this summer and why he decided to join Real Betis.

The 25-year-old Italian-Brazilian defender ended a six-year spell with the Biancocelesti back in July, after his contract expired. A few days later, he flew over to Spain to join Real Betis, putting pen to paper on a five-year deal. Luiz Felipe was a talented and developing centre back, impressing during his time in Rome.

Speaking to El Pais (via LazioNews24), Luiz Felipe reflected on his decision to leave Lazio this summer and head to Real Betis.

I wanted a change a bit. I’ve always liked La Liga a lot. Lazio are a great club, they formed me as a player and a person, but I wanted a boost, an adventure in my life and the offer from Betis came.

From the first moment, they made me feel important. Even before signing the contract.

The 25-year-old Italian-Brazilian centre back looked back at his career and initial arrival in Italy.

I had been playing football since I was 13 years old and I arrived at Iutano, who now play in Brazil’s Serie B. I played one year at that club, then came Lazio who signed me thanks to a scout’s report.

I was 19 years old. I was a kid, I didn’t speak Italian and the adaptation period was complicated. I went on loan to Salernitana, and once I came back I was added to the team. I played five seasons at a good level in Serie A.

Finally, Luiz Felipe spoke about some of the strongest strikers he faced in Serie A.

Immobile drove me crazy in training. He always attacks the depth, you couldn’t stop him. For the rest, other strong players I had to mark were Lukaku and Dzeko.

During his six-year spell with Lazio, Luiz Felipe made 144 appearances across all competitions, scoring two goals and providing six assists. He helped the side win a Coppa Italia and two Supercoppa Italiana titles.

Tags Betis Biancocelesti Felipe Italy La Liga Lazio Luiz Felipe real betis Rome Serie A Spain