Alessio Romagnoli would have earned more money at Fulham or Newcastle United but snubbed the Premier League in favour of Serie A giants Lazio, agent Rafaela Pimenta tells Gazzetta dello Sport.
Despite starting his career at bitter rivals Roma, the former AC Milan captain has never made any attempt to hide his Biancocelesti allegiance. Romagnoli is a Lazio fan, born and bred.
And when the opportunity arose to finally don the sky blue of his boyhood club during the summer transfer window, not even the prospect of a money-spinning offer from the Premier League was going to change his mind.
“Alessio Romagnoli made a choice as a fan,” explains Pimenta, who recently inherited the late Mino Raiola’s throne while taking over at the helm of one of world football’s most influential agencies.
“He could have gone to the Premier League and earned more. Now, he feels happy in Lazio.”
Fulham and Newcastle United liked Lazio ace Alessio Romagnoli
According to TMW and SS Lazio News, both Fulham and Newcastle offered Romagnoli a £65,000-a-week deal at Craven Cottage and St James’ Park respectively. He reportedly earns £58,000-a-week at Lazio; having signed a five-year deal when his contract at Scudetto holders AC Milan expired a couple of months ago.
“I think the fans are on another level compared to all the others,” 12-time Italy international Romagnoli beamed after Felipe Anderson scored the winner in Lazio’s 1-0 triumph over city rivals Roma on November 6th.
“They are fundamental for us. They give us that extra boost in every game, they make us feel like the best in the world. Spectacular.”
Despite missing out on Romagnoli, Newcastle currently have the best defensive record in the whole of the Premier League; Sven Botman and Fabian Schar forming an almost impenetrable partnership at the back.
Fulham, despite an excellent start to the campaign, have been far more porous by comparison. Only three times – Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest and Southampton – have been breached more regularly.
Fulham recently made a move for Sao Paulo youngster Luizao. The 20-year-old centre-half is set to join London rivals West Ham instead, however.
“There must be players who leave. Probably six, seven, or eight players will leave. Luizao is very likely to leave,” sighs Sao Paulo coach Rogerio Ceni. “Not that the club wants it. (He will leave) because of the player’s desire.
“The contract is expiring in January. We will have some departures and changes. It’s part of (football). It’s a painful process.”
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