“You’ve Been Toying With Me” – Departing Lazio Star Lashes Out on Lotito | OneFootball

A report in the Italian media details what went on between Alessio Romagnoli and Lazio president Claudio Lotito in their most recent meeting.

The Background

When the defender left AC Milan in the summer of 2022, he was one of the most sought-after free agents on the market. However, he agreed to halve his salary to join his beloved Biancocelest. In return, the Lazio officials promised him a pay raise if he would help the club secure Champions League football.

Alessio Romagnoli Keen to Leave Lazio & Join Al-Sadd

The Italian capital side finished second in the 2022/23 season, but Lotito never kept his promise, much to the dismay of the frustrated Romagnoli, who now appears on his way out of the club. Several sources in the Italian media believe that the 31-year-old is very close to sealing a move to Roberto Mancini’s Al-Sadd.

Romagnoli Had an Outburst During his Meeting with Claudio Lotito

According to Il Messaggero, the centre-back expressed his desire to leave Formello in a rather fiery meeting with Romagnoli on Thursday afternoon.“You have been toying with me for three years”, he told the club president in reference to the long-dragging contract renewal saga.

“Then go to Sarri, who doesn’t want to lose you,” responded Lotito, “and tell him that I offered you a contract extension and that it’s you who wants to leave.”

Maurizio Sarri Gave Up on Keeping Romagnoli

As the newspaper explains, Romagnoli had already communicated his decision to Maurizio Sarri on Wednesday morning. The head coach tried to talk him out of the move before resigning to the player’s desire.

Alessio Romagnoli (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

The source notes that Lotito has recently made a half-hearted attempt to renew Romagnoli’s contract, but the discussion never reached an advanced stage. Instead, the newspaper argues that the Lazio president would be happy to sell the experienced defender and register a pure €8 million capital gain.

Al-Sadd Ready to Satisfy Romagnoli’s Financial Requests

For his part, Romagnoli will probably leave Lazio with a heavy heart, but the lucrative numbers he’s set to earn in Qatar should lift his spirits. The former Milan captain has been offered €18 million in total for the next three years.