Lazio loanee Matteo Guendouzi, who moved from Olympique de Marseille on a temporary one-season deal with a conditioned obligation to buy, has revealed why he chose the capital club to grow further. Unexpectedly, the French central midfielder was announced to have transferred from the southern French city with no prior indication, as Maurizio Sarri welcomed him as Lazio’s final arrival in the summer window.
Guendouzi introduced himself to the club’s official channels at Formello.
“I chose Lazio first of all because it’s a great club both at the Italian and European level, with a great history. They have won many trophies in the past. That’s what I wanted to be part of a great family club within which I can grow and continue to improve. I would really like to win something with Lazio.” (via LaLazioSiamoNoi)
Guendouzi revealed Sarri’s presence as instrumental in his choice to leave Marseille.
“The club showed to have genuine interest in me in the various meetings, accompanied by a real project. It is also the fact of having a very good coach like Sarri that pushed me to come. I share the same football philosophy and the same game ideas. This is why for me he is a very good manager, as he will help me grow. Clearly I am very young and with him I will be able to improve a lot.“
While Marseille are preparing to star in the UEFA Europa League, Guendouzi will play in the Champions League this season.
“Lazio is a great club, this year they are playing in the Champions League. This team is made to win and go very far. I know that I will demonstrate my qualities on the pitch as well as the fact that I share the coach’s playing system. There are many reasons why I came to Lazio.”
Guendouzi made his debut against Napoli in the club’s fantastic 2-1 victory over the Scudetto holders, coming on in the second half for goalscorer Daichi Kamada.
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