Former Premier League misfit Felipe Anderson believes leaving West Ham for Lazio in the summer of 2021 was ‘one of the best things I’ve ever done’, speaking to the UEFA Europa League magazine show.
With three months of the season remaining, Anderson could still make 2022/23 the most prolific campaign of his entire career. The Brazil international has eight goals to go with his six assists; his rebirth continuing under Maurizio Sarri in the Italian capital.
Anderson, a winger by trade, has even filled in at centre-forward in recent months. That new-found versatility making him a hugely important part of a Lazio side with Champions League qualification in their sights.
“Sarri is convinced that he is a potential phenomenon,” explains Biancocelesti president Claudio Lotito. “Even in that (striker) role. And I have always thought so too.”
Felipe Anderson shining in Serie A after West Ham exit
Anderson returned for a second spell at the Stadio Olimpico some 18 months ago, leaving West Ham for a fraction of the club-record £36 million fee the London giants paid for him back in 2018.
It was at Lazio where Anderson made his name. And, after ill-fated spells in London and at FC Porto, the former Santos wonderkid is making up for lost time in familiar surroundings.
“My first time (at Lazio), there was a year-and-a-half acclimatisation process. It wasn’t easy, but the club helped me and always believed in me,” Anderson explains. “In fact, the following year was one of my best seasons.
“My return, after the experiences with West Ham and Porto? I benefited from and grew up in those hard moments. Whether you like it or not, you cannot separate your private life from your professional life.
“Returning to Lazio was one of the best things I’ve ever done. They really wanted me and, this time, everything is going even better.”
Sarri’s Lazio are fifth in Serie A; just two points behind reigning champions AC Milan.
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