Francelino Matuzalem will sign for Lazio on Monday and has high hopes. “We’ll reach the Champions League!”
The Brazilian agreed a transfer from Real Zaragoza on a one-year loan with the option to buy at the end of the season for around £5m and flew in to Rome late last night.
“I am so happy to be back in Italy,” enthused the former Napoli, Parma, Piacenza and Brescia starlet.
“I’ll be playing for a great club in a wonderful city in front of splendid fans. It gives me great pleasure to make this move.
“I spoke to the Zaragoza President and we adjusted the current contract situation. Now I have to talk to Lazio President Claudio Lotito and hope to start pre-season training this weekend.”
That may well be postponed until Monday, as Matuzalem’s agent confirmed the medical would only take place at the start of next week.
“I spoke to Lotito two or three times on the phone and our enthusiasm is reciprocated. There were other clubs that wanted me in Italy, but I chose Lazio.
“The dream for a side like this is to return to the Champions League. I think we can do it.”
The Biancocelesti did qualify for the competition last season, but were eliminated in the first group phase.
Matuzalem has a more pressing target, as the city is already firing up for the Derby della Capitale.
“I did know Amantino Mancini from our time together in the Brazilian Under-20 side, but he has moved to Inter. Of the current squad I am friends with Juan and it will be very exciting to play in a Rome derby. Winning it would be even better.”
| 
