Ex Lazio Star Denies Role in Maurizio Sarri’s Departure, Hails Inter Milan Coach

The Laziali

·22 November 2024

Ex Lazio Star Denies Role in Maurizio Sarri’s Departure, Hails Inter Milan Coach

Former Lazio midfielder Luis Alberto insists he had nothing to do with Maurizio Sarri’s resignation from the club, as he was saddened by the manager’s departure.

No Role in Maurizio Sarri Row

For almost three years, the duo shared a love-hate relationship filled with highs and lows. The Tuscan coach seemingly lost control over the dressing room somewhere during the previous campaign, so he decided to resign from his post in March, with some fingers being pointed towards the Spanish playmaker. But in his interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Calciomercato), Alberto denies it all.

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Sarri and I are similar, he said so too. Our relationship was strange, but he taught me to defend. When he left, they said it was my fault and that I kicked him out of Formello, but that’s not true. I was sorry when he resigned. He had endless superstitions. We watched him from afar as he walked towards the video room. His pace was always the same, his head down, his back curved. Also, he always left a pack of cigarettes with three butts on top of each other. Woe betide anyone who touched it! Plus, he was obsessed with corners.

Aiming for Success at Al-Duhail

The 32-year-old joined Al-Duhail last summer, ending an eight-year collaboration with Lazio. Nevertheless, he insists he’s still giving his all in Qatar.

I’m not on holiday in Qatar. We’re first in the league and in the semi-finals of the cup. Al-Duhail had already tried to sign me last year, but Sarri didn’t let me go.

Luis Alberto Thrilled for Lazio Exploits

The Spaniard insists he remains attached to Lazio, and he hopes they go on to win the Scudetto title this season, while praising Marco Baroni, Taty Castellanos and his friend Pedro.

I’m happy for Lazio, I hope they win the Scudetto. They have everything to compete. Inter are still the strongest, then I’ll mention Napoli, but Lazio are in the running. It would be a dream to see the Lazio players celebrate a title. We came close. I really like Baroni’s football. At the beginning he seemed like an unknown quantity, but now he bewitches and amazes everyone. And Castellanos will score a lot of goals. Pedro is a phenomenon and always has been, I write to him every time. In the summer, they were about to send him away, now there’s talk of a renewal. Lazio’s new playing style suits him, as he’s free to aim to goal.

Relationship with Simone Inzaghi

Alberto also credits current Inter boss Simone Inzaghi for saving his Lazio career while explaining the special rapport they shared.

Of course I would have loved to stay at Lazio. I would never have left. In 2016, I had already packed my bags. I never played, and when I did, it was on the wings, a position I had never played in my life. So I told my agent that in January I want to return to Sevilla. If it wasn’t for Simone Inzaghi, I would have returned to Spain. In 2017 I asked him to leave, but he refused. We never argued, he understood me. When I was having a bad day he invited me to go home. He is number one in terms of man management. Once, he sent a player home because he had a family issue. You give everything to a manager like that.

Responding to Claudio Lotito

The playmaker received scathing criticism form Lazio president Claudio Lotito and the club’s sporting director Angelo Fabiani for the way he behaved himself during his final months at the club.

It’s a closed chapter. The only issue was the contract renewal. Lotito was the one who came to me to stop me from leaving. I’m serene now, I don’t want to talk about him or the other one [Fabiani]. I raise my voice when I see things that I don’t like or injustices. I can’t stay silent. I’m direct and instinctive.