Between wild celebrations and some back-and-forth altercations with the Galatasaray supporters, Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi stole the headlines at RAMS Park on Saturday night in the friendly that ended in a 2-2 draw.
The Background
The Biancocelesti spent their week in Istanbul, taking on the best two teams Turkish football has to offer. On Wednesday, they were hosted by Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce who prevailed by a solitary goal. This was a particularly bleak evening for Guendouzi, as it was his poor backpass that culminated in the goal.
Nevertheless, those familiar with the French midfielder simply knew he wasn’t going to succumb to despair and rue his luck. After all, the 26-year-old has been one of Lazio’s best investments in recent years.
The Biancocelesti spent €13 million to acquire his services from Olympique Marseille in the summer of 2023, but he is now worth at least €35 million. Speaking of good deals that are difficult to find, the best £1 minimum deposit casino UK is only one click away. Online casino enthusiasts will be provided with the opportunity to play at a trustworthy platform simply by following the link.
A Heated Atmosphere in Istanbul
On Saturday, Guendouzi came out guns blazing, fueled by an insatiable desire to redeem himself and remind the naysayers of his great importance to the cause. Turkish stadiums are renowned for their particularly raucous atmospheres, and even in a ‘friendly’ contest, Galatasaray fans were ready to live up to their reputation, much to the Frenchman’s delight.
Unsurprisingly, this is the sort of atmosphere that the former Arsenal and Marseille star thrives in. Hence, the midfielder looked inspired from the get-go, but his excitement may have crossed the line at one point, explains La Lazio Siamo Noi.
Guendouzi played an instrumental part in Lazio’s second goal scored by Mattia Zaccagni, as he was the one who regained possession and launched the counter-attack. However, the France international celebrated right in front of the Galatasaray supporters, who hardly appreciated this gesture, as one can imagine.
Guendouzi Caused a Stir with His Celebration
Therefore, the red-and-yellow army in the stands showered Guendouzi with jeers and whistles for as long as he lasted on the pitch. Nevertheless, the player seemed to be enjoying the attention, noted the source, as he left the field in the second half with a smile on his face.
As the report puts it, Guendouzi has now cemented himself as the heart and soul of this Lazio side. The midfielder simply hates losing, even in friendlies, and is happy to leave it all out on the pitch every single time. Therefore, the fans will be hoping to see him take his game to another level this season under the guidance of Maurizio Sarri.
