Daichi Kamada opened up about his decision to leave Lazio after just one season to join up with Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace.
The 27-year-old Japanese midfielder was only a step away from joining Milan on a free transfer last year before the sudden departure of Paolo Maldini caused things to collapse. He ultimately put pen to paper on a one-year deal with an option for a further three years in Rome.
Kamada struggled to impose himself at Lazio and was hesitant to activate his extension clause. He decided to leave on a free transfer, joining up with his former Eintracht Frankfurt coach Glasner at Crystal Palace, signing a two-year deal.
Kamada on ‘being massacred’ at Lazio
Speaking on YouTube via TMW, Kamada first opened up about the difficulties he encountered with Lazio during his single season at the club, sharing frustrations with the local media.
“The club didn’t start the season well. I wasn’t playing in the right position, we lost the first two games after finishing second the season before. I scored against Napoli, but it wasn’t enough. Expectations were very high.
“Things weren’t going well, and people complained about every mistake. If things didn’t go well, it was my fault. Even though I played below average, and that’s true, I was labelled as mediocre. Expectations were high, the season wasn’t going well, and the media massacred us.
“As soon as I started playing again and showed what I could do, people said I was fantastic, but if I made a mistake I was massacred. I think I’ve gotten used to Italy… Lazio fans, when they lose a match, it’s as if they want to die…
“This doesn’t happen in the Premier League. When Lazio won, it was impressive to hear the crowd cheering us on, perhaps that’s why I should have played more advanced on the pitch.”
Kamada also highlighted how his decision to transfer wasn’t financially based.
“At Crystal Palace I get the same amount I got at Lazio. In Italy there is a major tax problem, you have to do the calculations well. Lazio pay their players well and in fact they stay in Rome for many years. They’re not in the top six of the league by accident.”
Where did he think he was going to be playing? He knew Sarri was manager, and (surely) knew the system Sarri played.
He certainly makes a lot of excuses, but then Lazio fans can be intense.