Romagnoli Bids Lazio Fans Farewell During Grand Anti-Lotito Demonstration

Alessio Romagnoli confirmed he’s leaving Lazio after four years, as he paid tribute to the supporters who held an enormous protest against unpopular club president Claudio Lotito.

Lazio Fans Organized a Huge March

The organized Lazio fan groups invited all Biancocelesti faithful to join them as they marched from Ponte Milvio to the Stadio Flaminio on Thursday, in what was advertised as ‘the largest protest’ in Italian football’s history. Indeed, more than 20,000 Lazio fanatics took to the streets, painting Rome in sky blue.

The demonstration attracted a host of celebrities and public personalities who urged Lotito to sell the club and allow the supporters to dream of a brighter future. This includes Italian singer and Sanremo participant, Tommaso Paradiso (whom Lotito claimed he doesn’t know) and Lazio Region President Francesco Rocca, who confessed his lifelong love for the club.

Alessio Romagnoli Delivers Emotional Farewell Message to Lazio Fans

When the march reached its destination (a square outside the Stadio Flaminio), the organizers played a montage of former Lazio players (including Juan Sebastian Verona, Giuseppe Signori, and Luis Alberto) expressing their support for the Anti-Lotito cause. The video culminated with a word from Romagnoli, who confirmed his departure (via Il Messaggero).

I’m taking this opportunity to say goodbye to you, because, as you know, after four years I’m leaving my home. Over these years, you’ve given me so much love, and I’ll never forget you, because the truth is, you’ve been fundamental to me.

My regret is not being able to say goodbye to you at the Olimpico, but we all know the situation. On the pitch I played for each of you, I promise we’ll have the opportunity to see each other again soon. I’ll definitely come and see you in the stands where I grew up, after all.

Romagnoli Will Join Al-Sadd After Six-Month Transfer Saga

In January, Romagnoli already greeted the fans at the Via del Mare in Lecce, thinking this was going to be his last match for Lazio before his transfer to Al-Sadd. Nevertheless, the deal collapsed at the eleventh hour, allegedly due to Lotito asking the defender to give up three months of his salary.

Nevertheless, the Qatari champions launched a new attempt to sign the former AC Milan in recent weeks, and have seemingly reached the finish line this time. Lazio are expected to receive €3 million for the Roman, whose contract was set to expire a year later.