Loris Karius opened up about his difficult position with Newcastle United, the idea of heading to Serie A in the summer and his high-profile relationship with presenter Diletta Leotta.
The German shot stopper’s career has been in freefall since that disastrous night in the Champions League final back in May 2018, when a concussion majorly affected his performance as he made two fateful errors. The match, which left him visibly distressed, ended his spell with the Reds.
Karius spent time away on loan with Besiktas and Union Berlin before leaving Liverpool on a free transfer in the summer of 2022. He joined up with Newcastle, becoming their third-choice goalkeeper, and he’s made just two appearances since.
Speaking on page 29 of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, Karius first revealed how he proposed to DAZN present Leotta.
“This summer, while we were on holiday. I asked her in a simple and traditional way, it seemed like the right time to both of us. We are good together and it was a natural decision.”
He spoke about the difficulty of maintaining a long-distance relationship, considering his work with Newcastle and her career in Serie A.
“Living apart isn’t easy, we’re both busy with work, on our days off we try to see each other but we don’t always succeed. In England the schedule is very busy. Sometimes we meet once a week, sometimes less. It’s a bit heavy.”
The German goalkeeper commented on the idea of joining a Serie A club in the summer, having joined an agency that involves Claudio Marchisio.
“Of course, it would be a great solution if there were good options for me, regardless of proximity to my family. I have always followed Serie A and it intrigues me a lot, but it is too early to talk about the future. Claudio (Marchisio, ed.) and I are friends, I know him well and I think he is the right person.”
Karius touched on what he’s looking for.
“I want to go back to being a number one like I always have been, except for the last two years. When I play I do well, and I know I have enough quality to perform at the highest levels again.”
He was asked if he expected more playing time with Newcastle.
“When I arrived, they already had a starting goalkeeper, and it wasn’t easy for me. I definitely aim to play more and that’s why I train hard every day. Being a goalkeeper is very difficult, the challenge is to stay positive knowing that you are not playing and have to be ready.
“You’re alone in goal, when you concede goals, all eyes are on you, but when you do something positive no one cares. It’s part of the game, you have to be mentally strong, more than the others.”
He briefly reflected on that Champions League final and if it changed his career.
“Certainly, because I then left Liverpool, but I don’t think about it anymore because many years have passed, and I’ve moved on. There is nothing I can change, so going back to it is useless.”
Karius was asked if he and Diletta discuss football at home.
“Not much, also because we don’t have much time to spend together. We sometimes watch matches in the evening, but I prefer to take a break from work when I’m at home.”
He commented on the next dream he’d like to achieve.
“Eh, good question… it would be fantastic to start playing football again every week at a high level. Being the starter again, proving to everyone my abilities and to myself that I can still do it.”
The 30-year-old spoke about the support given to him by Leotta.
“Diletta supports me. She can’t help me play football, but I know I can always talk to her. It’s nice to have someone at home who is always there for you, it’s a huge help. She does everything for me, it’s a fantastic feeling.”
Finally, Karius was asked how it feels to be the envy of many Italians.
“Really?! I knew it. Diletta is very well known in Italy, but when we met for the first time in Paris, I didn’t know much about her nor she about me.
“I later discovered what she did, everything started very naturally between us. We are two normal people who love each other and were lucky enough to find each other.”
Read more about Karius
Juventus legend Marchisio becomes agent, wants Karius in Serie A
Karius’ partner Diletta Leotta hopes Newcastle goalkeeper joins Serie A club