Miroslav Klose reflected on the final years of his playing career with Lazio and why Rome was the right place to close out his time on the pitch.
The former Germany striker joined the Biancocelesti in the summer of 2011 on a free transfer after ending a four-year spell with Bayer Munich. He stayed with the Roman club for five years, helping the team win the Coppa Italia in 2013.
Klose scored 63 goals and provided 35 assists in 171 appearances for Lazio before hanging up his boots in 2016. He’s remained a fan favourite in Rome, being appreciated for his professionalism and leadership mentality on the pitch, as well as his eye for goal.
Contributing to the book ‘26 May, tutta la storia del derby dei derby’ by Fabio Argentini (via LazioNews24), Klose looked back at his five-year spell with Lazio and explained why the club was the perfect place to see out his playing career.
Lazio were the team where I chose to end my playing career and I made the right choice, because I learnt some very important things. The first was friendship, because here I met very good people, real friends with whom I formed bonds that will remain for life.
Then I learnt how to play without being stressed. I remember that in the early days, when I went to dinner at the restaurant with Scaloni and Lulic, I always wanted to eat early because I was used to going to bed early.
I was always used to doing that because in Germany you always experience football with a lot of stress, you are forced to win all the time, so you always have to be at your best and not allow yourself distractions.
Instead, they made me realise that a middle way was the right way to go, that you could play with such intensity even without stress, enjoying life a little more. And that was a great thing for me.
The Lazio dressing room was something special, seeing my teammates was always a joy and I must say that I miss living those days so much. I also had fun at other teams, but the Lazio dressing room was really special.
The last thing I learnt at Lazio is how much emotion the fans can give you. The Biancocelesti fans live this team in a unique way, and the memories they left me are unforgettable.
Klsoe is part of Lazios history, we will always love you bomber 🤍💙
What a legend