Sergej Milinkovic-Savic expressed his happiness at Lazio despite the endless links away from the club this summer.
The 27-year-old Serbian midfielder was the subject of a number of transfer rumours across the last few months, with top clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United reportedly ready to pay large sums to secure his signature. Ultimately, neither side convinced Lazio of a deal and Milinkovic-Savic remained in Rome.
Speaking in a press conference (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Milinkovic-Savic first reflected on his first Lazio goal, which came in a European clash.
I remember the first goal well, it was many years ago. We have to do well, we’re pumped up for tomorrow, we’re looking forward to the game.
The Lazio star reflected on how his summer was amidst the various transfer rumours.
Like all the ones before, you always talked about other teams, then I always started a new year with Lazio.
I rested well, I did the preparation, I also think I got off to a good start. That’s all, we have to improve in mentality as we saw in the last match, and we’ll come back as calm as ever.
He gave his thoughts on Lazio’s qualities this year.
We have many youngsters, they’ll give us a big hand. It’s the coach’s second year, many of us have clear ideas, the new guys have arrived who’ll slowly be put in and will be able to help us.
Milinkovic-Savic discussed the fact that the Feyenoord clash is his 300th game with the Biancocelesti and why no club has managed to steal him away from Rome yet.
I read that it’ll be my 300th match, I always have the first one in my mind and all the years that have passed. I’m happy with such an important number.
Then I don’t know what to say, the rest is the work of my agents and the club, I’m here with a smile on my face and I’m happy.
He commented on the performance of Italian clubs in cup competitions.
For me every match is of the same importance, whether we play in Serie A or abroad. You prepare for all matches in the same way, I’m speaking from my point of view, I prepare for them all like that.
The 27-year-old touched on if Champions League qualification would be enough to convince him to sign a contract renewal.
I don’t think about next year, it’s hard for a footballer to think far ahead. I look at things training by training, game by game.
Unfortunately I only reached the Champions League one year, I wanted and thought more, but I know that many here want to reach it. The squad for me is bigger than last year.
Milinkovic-Savic looked ahead to the upcoming World Cup in Qatar and if Sarri has taught him any lessons that previous coach Simone Inzaghi didn’t.
I’m looking to arrive in November ready, with many games already played, I’ll have to arrive in the best possible condition to help my national team.
With Sarri I learnt a lot, some things that I lacked with Inzaghi, the coach helped me with tactical aspects that I wasn’t so good at before.
The Serbian midfielder discussed his various yellow cards for protesting and if he could see himself staying at Lazio long term to become the next captain.
I got two bookings I didn’t need, but my head was hot at the time, they were stupid yellows. But I also see other matches, how other teams protest. We always get a few more yellow cards than the others.
However we have to be more cool-headed. As long as Ciro is here I see no chance of taking the armband, if he stays seven years I will always be the vice-captain!
Finally, Milinkovic-Savic underlined his hunger to succeed again in Europe after two goalless years.
I also feel a bit strange that I haven’t scored for so long. Last year’s group was difficult, I didn’t have as many chances as in Serie A.
In Europe you calculate more on points, I don’t help the team as much offensively.
