New Inter coach Simone Inzaghi wrote an open letter to Lazio fans explaining his decision to leave the club: ‘It wasn’t an easy choice…’
Inzaghi joined Lazio at 23 and spent almost his entire playing career in a Biancoazzurri shirt before the beginning of his coaching career at the club. Frist as the Primavera team head coach, and then as the first team coach.
Inzaghi was appointed Lazio coach in April 2016 and remained at the club until June 2021. He was on the verge of signing a contract extension with the Biancocelesti, but Inter managed to reach an agreement with the Italian tactician and bring him to Milan to replace Antonio Conte.
The former Chelsea and Juventus coach had won the first Serie A title in 11 years at Inter before parting ways with the Nerazzurri.
Inzaghi signed a two-year deal at Inter after winning three trophies at Lazio, one Coppa Italia and two Italian Super Cups.
He wrote an open letter to Lazio fans via Il Corriere dello Sport, to explain his decision to leave the club after 22 years.
“Dear Lazio fans, I was only 23 when I arrived in Rome. I was just a guy with dreams and ambitions who wanted to become a famous footballer. Lazio offered me an amazing opportunity to reach my goals. I’d never imagined it would have become my home and my family.
“It’s not rhetoric, it’s reality. I’ve become a man with all of you, living amazing years. I will never forget the joys and the tears. The victories and the defeats that gave me sleepless nights. I will always bring all this with me.
“That’s why it wasn’t easy to move on. It’s not something you can do in a minute or a week. It will take time to understand and elaborate the emotions and such a radical change.
“I have no problems in admitting that leaving Lazio was one of the most complicated choices in my career. I haven’t even had the strength to clear out my locker in Formello. I do not want to discuss the reasons that led me to take this decision. Everybody could have done better, but I don’t want to create controversy. I’ve never done so.
“Biancocelest only means love to me. I could have never fulfilled the dream of coaching my favourite team if it wasn’t for President Claudio Lotito and sporting director Igli Tare.
“At the same time, I am a professional who loves his job and my determination and ambition bring me far away from Rome and I can’t deny I am totally focused on my new adventure at Inter.
“But I will miss you, fans, friends and mates every day, and I wanted to let you know. I am not a man of many words, but I want to make an exception, also because the more the days pass and the more my thoughts come out of my heart.
“I gave everything I could. Even to the detriment of my family, my health and my vocal cords. Believe me, the first thing I’ll do when the fixture list is released, is to check the day I return to the Olimpico. And I’m telling you right now, I’ll come under the Curva Nord to say goodbye.
“I don’t care if I will be booed or applauded, I’ll accept everything. I will be there. I wish the best to Mister Sarri, a great coach who will do well at Lazio and who will find an exceptional fanbase and an extraordinary group which I will never thank enough.
“There are many people behind the scenes in Formello. They are not known, but they are so important for everybody. They accompanied me during this path.
“I will never forget their tears, you will forever have a place in my heart. I will always feel Lazio as my home and I will be just Simone for you. It was a privilege and an honour. Together, we wrote history, I love you and you will always be part of me.”