Romagnoli: ‘So happy to be with Al-Sadd finally after Lazio problems’ | OneFootball

Alessio Romagnoli has spoken out after finally completing his long-awaited transfer from Lazio to Al-Sadd. ‘We’d been talking for months about this.’

The defender had already said goodbye to the fans in January when he thought that the deal had been done, only for it to fall apart at the last minute.

LECCE, ITALY – JANUARY 24: Alessio Romagnoli of SS Lazio after the Serie A match between US Lecce and SS Lazio at Stadio Via del Mare on January 24, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

When there was no agreement, it was assumed that they would pick up the threads in the summer and secure the transfer then, but once more the situation dragged on.

The 31-year-old finally got his wish this week when completing the €3m move to Qatari side Al-Sadd, signing a lucrative contract to June 2029.

Romagnoli joins Al-Sadd at last

Alessio Romagnoli wears the Al-Sadd jersey (@alsaddsc)

“I was very curious, and now I am happy, as we’d been talking for months about this possibility,” said Romagnoli to the official club channels.

“The impact was very positive, it’s a beautiful city, a strong club. I am happy to be here. I had already wanted to come to Al-Sadd in January, but there were some problems with my old club.

BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 22: Alessio Romagnoli of SS Lazio celebrates a opening goal during the Coppa Italia semi-final match between Atalanta BC and SS Lazio at New Balance Arena on April 22, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

“We had to postpone my arrival, but it was worth the wait. These were months filled with constant calls and messages, in the end we got what we had hoped for.

“I wanted to be here, Al-Sadd wanted me, and so now we’re both happy. It’s up to me now to prove myself on the field.”

The 31-year-old defender is a lifelong Lazio supporter, who finally got his chance to join the club as a free agent in 2022 when his contract with Milan expired.

It was strange for him being a Lazio fan when he came through the Roma youth academy, also playing for Sampdoria and Milan.