Former Lazio star Luis Alberto details the events that led to his departure from the Italian capital side last summer.
The Spaniard completed a transfer to Qatar Super League side Al-Duhail. The 31-year-old was indirectly accused of complacency by the club’s former manager Igor Tudor, while club president Claudio Lotito recently aimed a dig at some of those who departed in the summer, suggesting they lacked concentration last season.
Thus, Alberto has now decided to tell his own version of the events in an open letter published by Cronache di Spogliatoio (via La Lazio Siamo Noi). The midfielder insisted he would have stayed at Lazio until the end of his career, but notes that the club seldom gives its pillars the sendoff they deserve.
I would never have left Lazio. I would have stayed forever. And I often think about it; Who knows if we could have won the Scudetto in 2020. We were in the running, but then the lockdown ensued. Without it, we would have fought until the last day.
Name me a Lazio icon who left the club on good terms. This is how the management does it; Look at Cataldi who had been at the club since he was a little kid. It’s a shame because then you see other teams that behave differently, at least they let you bid the fans farewell or have a press conference.
It happened with Radu, Lulic and Milinkovic-Savic. They were all denied a proper sendoff. It’s a shame. Lazio is a special club, but not for the people inside, but for those who are on the outside. I have many friends who among the fanbase.
Luis Alberto Blames Lazio Atmosphere for His Departure
The playmaker revealed he was happy during the era of Simone Inzaghi and Igli Tare, while Maurizio Sarri’s departure was the final straw for his time at Formello.
We were happy because we had Inzaghi and Tare. I argued a thousand times with Igli, but we knew we were two good people and we always found a solution. After that period, it all ended. For me, the plan was to stay for life. But I didn’t want to stay in a place where I didn’t see anything clean.
I’ve never been quiet. It was time to leave and find a more serene atmosphere. They said I left for money. But it’s not true. I’m getting paid more now but I was earning enough already.
The final straw was Sarri’s departure. He had a particular character and so do I. I wanted to go to Cadiz on loan because I wasn’t happy. I returned after 10 days in Spain, it was during the World Cup break. I trained like crazy. He noticed it and said ‘you’re not going anywhere. If you train like this, you’ll play anywhere with me. I understand your character’.
I trusted his wordd and then I started playing. We spoke every day. They told me I talk a lot on the pitch, but I was only trying to help the coach. I was sorry when he left.
Finally, Alberto reveals how he had fun the most at Barcelona, and admits some regret over his swift departure from Liverpool.
The only year I had fun in my career was at Barcelona. I trained with the greats. The strongest was undoubtedly Messi, but I was impressed by Busquets and how he trained, and the same for Iniesta. Xavi was already a coach on the pitch. It was nice to train with them because you understand so many things. It was the only fun year of my career.
The dressing room in Liverpool was also great. I could have done more: I could have stayed there, but I was young and I wanted to play, so I left. Suarez was like a father to me, he is a great person, a phenomenon. I was always with him. I didn’t play much but I learned. I saw that the Premier League is fantastic in every aspect.