Newcastle United left-back Achraf Lazaar admits he “felt like a Genoa player” before his transfer collapsed on deadline day.
The Moroccan international was in Italy to sign for the Grifone, but a disagreement with his club over the formula of the transfer saw it fall through.
“I flew to Milan and I was waiting in the hotel all day, ready to sign the contract,” Lazaar told Gazzetta dello Sport.
Newcastle United left-back Achraf Lazaar admits he “felt like a Genoa player” before his transfer collapsed on deadline day.
The Moroccan international was in Italy to sign for the Grifone, but a disagreement with his club over the formula of the transfer saw it fall through.
“I flew to Milan and I was waiting in the hotel all day, ready to sign the contract,” Lazaar told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“It seemed like it was just a formality but the negotiation collapsed at the last minute. It’s a pity, because I really wanted to return to Italy and I was really pleased with Genoa’s interest.
“Genoa have stayed up for a number of years and have launched a lot of players, I thought it was the right place to restart.
“I had spoken very well about the club and I almost felt like a Genoa player but the deal collapsed a few minutes after the end of the window.
“Newcastle had given me permission to fly to Italy, all I had to do was sign. There were a lot of rumours, then in the evening the two clubs told me the deal was off.
“I hope I can win my place back, I’ll work hard to get back to the top and be a protagonist, if not I’ll look around. Obviously Italy and Serie A always remain in my heart.
“Genoa in January? Why not? I know [Coach Davide] Ballardini well, he coached me at Palermo. I hope he has a great season, and maybe in January they’ll already be safe.”