Antonio Candreva has revealed he almost left Lazio just months into his Biancocelesti career, after poor performances and insults from fans.
The Italy international joined the club in January 2012 and has since become one of the Aquile’s key players.
Antonio Candreva has revealed he almost left Lazio just months into his Biancocelesti career, after poor performances and insults from fans.
The Italy international joined the club in January 2012 and has since become one of the Aquile’s key players.
However, he has admitted in an interview with Il Messaggero that things could have been very different.
“I still remember the first day I arrived at Formello,” Candreva told the newspaper.
“There were a lot of people at the training ground, and when I went to my car – I had a [FIAT] 500 – I was insulted because I was a Roma fan.
“I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. I couldn’t see improvements, and I wasn’t playing well.
“I remember being in Madrid for a Europa League match [a 4-1 aggregate defeat to Atletico Madrid in February 2012]. I thought to myself ‘Antonio, you have to leave’.”
Despite his initial difficulties, Candreva is now closing in on 100 appearances for Lazio, and has recently signed a new contract – as well as renouncing his Roma roots.
“I’ve never been so loved. In all the clubs I’ve played for I’ve never felt so respected as both a player and a man. I’m really proud.
“At Lazio I feel at home, and now I want to become a symbol of this club, because now I’m a Lazio fan.
“I feel a responsibility when I wear this shirt.
“I’ve always wanted to stay at Lazio. That’s what I said to my agents before all these rumours.
“It’s true that several teams came in for me, but I always wanted to re-sign with Lazio.
“A return to Turin and the Champions League? I deny everything.
“I would love to be captain of Lazio, but I’m not cocky. Right now I feel ready, and maybe one day I’ll be given that honour.”