Luis Alberto reiterated his happiness in Rome following Lazio’s electric 4-2 win over Feyenoord in their Europa League opener.
The 29-year-old Spanish midfielder was heavily linked with a move away from the Italian capital this summer, with multiple reports suggesting that he’d handed in a transfer request in a bid to join Sevilla. A return to the Iberian peninsula never came, leaving Luis Alberto with Lazio for another year.
First speaking to Sky Sports Italia (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Luis Alberto reacted to Lazio’s 4-2 win over Feyenoord.
I can see the team is growing. We’ve played six games at a high level now, even against Napoli we played very well for the first 25 minutes, but they’re strong and took the game into their own hands.
Today we played a great game, we had a very good first half, we could’ve scored five or six, that’s what we lacked against Sampdoria.
The Spanish midfielder commented on his transfer market situation and if he’s still angling for a move away from Rome.
I’m tired of hearing the rumours about me, I want to start matches and it’s been a while that when we win, we all win, and when we lose it’s Luis Alberto’s fault.
I’m tired of this. I play for the team, not against. There’s always talk of Sevilla, I’ve never mentioned anyone, I’m happy here in my home, Lazio. I love everyone, as many others do.
I thank everyone, I’m happy here, it’s my home. I also spoke with Sarri, I have different characteristics from the others. The coach asked me to progress the ball up the pitch and that’s what I did today.
Luis Alberto then reacted to the winning start in the Europa League when speaking to Lazio’s media outlets.
I’m happy with the goal and the assist. I want to improve on last year’s numbers. In the first half we played one of our best games in recent years, good dribbling, aggressive and clinical in front of goal.
We could’ve scored a few more goals. This must be Lazio because we’re strong and we must not be afraid to lose the ball. Better to run two seconds after losing the ball than so much more afterwards.
He explained his first half goal and his desire to find the back of the net more.
I was alone in front of the goalkeeper, I had to score. I want to score more this year, but I mustn’t get obsessed because things come if the team plays well and wins.
That’s the most important thing. Now we’ll regain confidence and continue to grow because we’re strong.
The 29-year-old Spaniard commented on the amount of criticism levied against Lazio already this season.
There has been too much criticism. We played well against Sampdoria and we didn’t close it out. We created a lot of chances and we missed a goal.
Napoli are very strong, they have almost always been in the Champions League. In the first 25 minutes on Saturday we played on equal terms.
Then due to their skill and our fear we dropped too deep. Against a team like Napoli we can suffer. We have to continue to work with our heads held high towards the next game.
Finally, Luis Alberto underlined the importance of the support from the fans.
The fans are our number 12. On Thursdays people work and it’s difficult, but today there were many fans. In the league there are a lot of fans and we like to hear them.
Let’s move forward together and good things will come.
