Immobile: ‘I see no reason to leave Lazio’

Ciro Immobile has reassured Lazio fans that he sees ‘no reason to leave’ the club, but admits he did not do enough to earn a EURO 2024 call for Italy.

The veteran had a difficult campaign, struggling with repeated injuries and often losing his place to Taty Castellanos.

He confessed several times that he regretted not taking the opportunity for a lucrative transfer to the Saudi Pro League last year, seeing as some of the fans were actively jeering him at the Stadio Olimpico.

However, that situation seems to have calmed down and Immobile is reconsidering his future plans.

“I already said, I have two years left on my contract with Lazio and I am happy here,” said Immobile at the EA7 World Legends Padel Tour event.

“My family is settled and I see no reason to leave. Obviously, after a season like this there are many question marks and some criticism is arriving.

“I had seven years at an exceptional level and one year with a dip in form and some difficulties dealing with the change of coach did not help.

“As over the years I was the one who scored the most goals and put in the best performances, I paid for the dip, but it can happen.

“When you start on the wrong foot and start to lose some of the precision in front of goal that you always had, it kind of puts you in a dark place and I was not accustomed to that situation.

“However, one bad season certainly cannot destroy all the good I have done in this jersey.”

Immobile denies causing Sarri exit

Although Maurizio Sarri resigned in March and was replaced by Igor Tudor, the uptick in results was not enough to make up the shortfall and they will finish in seventh place.

“What hurt me worst of all was seeing people blame me for making Sarri leave. It affected me as a person more than a player. Sarri is such a prestigious coach, I would never have got into it with him, or indeed anyone.”

Immobile has not only seen his star wane at Lazio, but also for the Italy squad, where he probably won’t be part of the EURO 2024 party.

“The Nazionale is always an objective, but you must obviously also be rational and fair, you cannot expect much after a season like this.

“If the call were to come, I certainly wouldn’t turn it down. I haven’t spoken to Luciano Spalletti, but those in the best shape ought to play for Italy. If Spalletti wants someone with more experience and takes me into account, I would not refuse.”