Hollywood star Russell Crowe shared his love for Lazio and the Stadio Olimpico whilst attending the Sanremo Festival, calling it ‘love at first sight’.

The 59-year-old actor, who famously played Maximus Decimus Meridius in Gladiator, has long had a love affair with Italy and in December 2022 was appointed by Rome’s mayor to be the worldwide ambassador of the capital.

Crowe, who was the latest international guest on the third evening of the Sanremo Festival, has long been open about his support for Lazio, which he confirmed in a press conference two years ago following rumours that he was a Roma fan.

Speaking to RTL via Calciomercato.com at Sanremo, Crowe was first asked about a moment before he went on the Sanremo stage, where he was seen taking a photo with a Lazio scarf.

“I’m a Laziale, I could go crazy at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. It was love at first sight with Italy and in particular with the capital.”

He confirmed that his next musical tour would start in Italy.

“I’ll come with my band for a big musical project, I’ve chosen to start the tour in Italy.”

Finally, Crowe discussed some memories of Sanremo.

“In 2001 I came to Sanremo when Raffaella Carrà hosted it, and before that evening I had played in Italy.”

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