Luis Alberto on Sarri’s ‘obsession’ and Serie A duo who could play for Real Madrid or Barça | OneFootball

Former Lazio star Luis Alberto says Maurizio Sarri was ‘obsessed’ with corner kicks but insists he didn’t cause the coach’s resignation in March.

Ex-Lazio star Luis Alberto released an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport on Friday, talking about his experience at the Stadio Olimpico, especially in his final season at the club.

The Spaniard joined Al-Duhail SC last summer after eight years in the capital.

He played under Maurizio Sarri for two and a half years, but they didn’t always get along.

“We are similar. He said the same thing,” said the midfielder.

“We had a strange relationship, but he taught me how to defend. They said I had kicked him out when he left, but it wasn’t true. I was sorry when he resigned.

“I’m not on holiday [at Al-Duhail]. We are league leaders, and we’ve reached the cup semis. They wanted me last year, but Sarri didn’t let me go.”

Luis Alberto reveals Sarri’s ‘obsession’

Luis Alberto confirms the Italian tactician was very superstitious.

“He used to leave three cigarette butts, one on top of the other, on a cigarette pack. If one touched them, he got mad. Also, he was obsessed with corner kicks.”

Luis Alberto’s contract at Al-Duhail expires in June 2027, and the Qatari side will be the last club of his career.

“There isn’t another Serie A club I’d play for except Lazio. Perhaps [I could return to Serie A] if I become a coach in the future, but my playing career will end here.”

Luis Alberto reveals Serie A duo who could play for Real Madrid or Barcelona

Torino’s Che Adams (L) and Como’s Nico Paz in action during the Italian Serie A soccer match Torino FC vs Como at the Olimpico Grande Torino Stadium in Turin, Italy, 25 October 2024. EPA-EFE/ALESSANDRO DI MARCO

The Spaniard also named two Serie A players he particularly admires.

“Nico Paz [Como] and Zielinski [Inter], who are worthy of Barcelona or Real Madrid.”

Paz joined Como from Real Madrid last summer, but the Merengues have an option to re-sign the Argentinean talent.

Lastly, Luis Alberto refused to talk about Lazio President Claudio Lotito.

“It’s a closed chapter. I only want to say that he came to me to make me stay. I am calm, but I won’t talk about him or the other [Lazio director Angelo Fabiani].”