Ciro Immobile cast doubt over his future at Lazio after admitting he received a huge Saudi offer to leave in the summer. ‘Sometimes I wonder if it would’ve been better if I had left. I don’t know what will happen.’
The centre-forward was one of the many players linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, including former Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, but he opted to turn down the proposal.
After a rough start to the season with some protests even from his own supporters, Immobile is starting to reconsider his decisions.
“It is only a small proportion of the crowd, I don’t even know whether to call them real Lazio fans, who jeer me,” Immobile told Il Messaggero newspaper.
“I don’t think a real Lazio fan would berate me for something. It is just a matter of time and I will win over even the most sceptical supporters.”
However, at the same time Immobile is considering whether he wants to continue fighting, especially as he faces even more hostility when representing Italy.
“I did consider Saudi Arabia when a few offers arrived in the summer, but I decided to turn them down so I could continue playing with Italy and also in the Champions League.
“After this start to the season, I did ask myself a few questions, especially after criticism from some who did not appreciate my gesture, instead immediately asking how much money my sale could’ve made. That hurt, in fact it makes me vacillate.
“Now my thoughts are not the same as they were in July. Some days, when I was particularly down in the dumps, I thought that maybe it would’ve been better if I had left.”
This consideration could also affect his future in the Lazio jersey, especially if the same offer should return.
“I don’t want to answer right now, I am thinking about it with my family. In any case, first of all I need to get back into shape and when I am fully recovered, then I can make a real decision.
“I can’t say I will remain at Lazio for life because right now I am struggling with injuries, but if I had scored 20 goals, perhaps I might think of staying forever. I don’t want my decision to by dictated by my current mood.
“It’s true that I do feel wounded. I see myself at Lazio in future, but I don’t know in what role. I love Lazio, but I don’t know what will happen in January or June.”
Immobile turns 34 in February and has been at Lazio since 2016, with a contract that runs to June 2026.
He has amassed 306 appearances for the club, with 198 goals and 53 assists.