Ciro Immobile hints that he is no longer interested in joining a Saudi Pro League side as he has decided to ‘bring the Lazio project forward.’
The Italy international was heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia last summer and he has now landed in the country to play in the Supercoppa semis against Inter on Friday.
“It is developing as a league, infrastructures are improving compared to 2019,” Immobile said at a pre-match press conference.
“Now, everyone has their eyes set on Saudi Arabia and believes there will be an important league here in the future. I spoke to local clubs in the past, but nothing happened in the end. I’ve always tried to be as transparent as possible and I decided to stay at Lazio and carry the project forward.”
On the other hand, his former teammate Sergej Milinkovic-Savic did join Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal last summer.
“He is a great champion, a strong footballer who made history at Lazio. We were sorry when he left but we wished him the best,” said Immobile.
Talking about tomorrow’s semifinal against Inter, the experienced Italy striker said: “We feel the weight of the game; it’s a trophy with two finals that are played within three days. There is little time to prepare for all matches. We are proud and happy with what we did last season and want to enjoy this moment.
“I was sidelined for three weeks, but playing 15 minutes against Lecce was important. I’ve had the chance to train and work to return to the top. We only lacked consistency, but the team has always worked well. Sometimes things didn’t work, but we’ve been improving.”
Immobile joined Maurizio Sarri for Thursday’s pre-match press conference, but the Biancocelesti coach said his team only have a ’25-30 chance’ to beat Inter tomorrow.