Former Lazio striker Felipe Caicedo reflected on his favourite moments in the Italian capital, the current state of the team and his possible return to the Stadio Olimpico.
The Ecuadorian striker grew into a fan favourite during his four-year spell in the Biancocelesti squad, earning a reputation as a hard-working forward who had a knack for finding last minute goals.
During his time with Lazio, Caicedo made 139 appearances across all competitions, scoring 33 goals and providing 15 assists. He helped the side win a Coppa Italia and two Supercoppa Italiana titles before leaving in the summer of 2021.
Speaking exclusively with La Lazio Siamo Noi, Caicedo first revealed the secret behind his late goals.
I felt alert and focused, I felt the desire to score inside me, but it was determination that made the difference. The credit then went to the whole team, not just me, because I felt they had faith in me.
The opponents feared me, I realised it several times. I saw it in their eyes, I saw it in the way they tried to mark me in those last minutes.
He noted which of these late goals was his favourite across his four-year spell.
I think that to date the goal that gave me the most satisfaction was the one against Cagliari, because at the 90th minute it seemed to everyone like a lost game. Then came Luis Alberto’s 1-1 in the 93rd minute and in the 98th minute my 1-2. That was an incredible emotion.
I also remember an important goal against Juve. Scoring in extra time always gives great satisfaction, I’m only sorry I didn’t do it under a full Curva Nord. At Juve I also scored another goal in a packed stadium.
The Ecuadorian striker discussed the emotions of the Derby della Capitale against Roma.
On 2nd March 2019 I scored in the derby and there is no suitable way to explain such an adrenaline rush. Playing for the team and for the fans gives a huge charge in that week, because you live it in a different way than the others.
In those days I only talked about that, I had no other topic with my friends and physiotherapist Cristian, a true Lazio fan. There is tension, but at the same time you can’t wait to play. After the goal I ran towards the fans to celebrate, I can’t forget that goal.
He spoke about the recent difficulties of captain Ciro Immobile.
Sarri knows which is the best formation to field, but for me Ciro has to play. Immobile can still make a difference.
Without scoring he is obviously in a bad mood because he lives for the goal and to help the team. I know him, I’m sure he will just have to wait. The fans must be calm.
Caicedo touched on the changes to Lazio over the last two years.
Today is a different team from the one I was in. The formation has changed, the very characteristics of the players. Castellanos seems to me a very good guy, he trains with desire, and you have to give him credit that ‘replacing’ someone like Immobile is not easy.
It is difficult for new players to fit into Sarri’s tried and tested schemes. Kamada and Guendouzi already have the experience to do so, while Isaksen seems to have the right potential but must be waited for patiently.
Rovella, I know him well, I saw him at Genoa and he is a player who will help a lot. He’s adapting well but he needs to keep playing in order to get minutes and be able to show his full potential. But I like this Lazio team, they play well and have almost perfect pressing.
Finally, Caicedo discussed his desire to return to the Italian capital one day soon.
I would like to return to the Olimpico, because even though I am no longer in the team, the fans continue to show me their love. I have one regret, that of not having been able to say goodbye and hug them for the last time, as I would have liked to.
I like the passion of Caicedo. As a Lazio player, he shows me his love to the fans and the club. Thank You Caicedo.