Lucas Leiva opened up about the “new opportunity” at Lazio, enjoying the Italian lifestyle, teamwork and naming his horse after Ciro Immobile.
It’s first against third in Serie A on Saturday night, kicking off at the Stadio San Paolo at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“Playing for Lazio represents a new opportunity for me,” the former Liverpool midfielder told the Serie A TIM website.
Lucas Leiva opened up about the “new opportunity” at Lazio, enjoying the Italian lifestyle, teamwork and naming his horse after Ciro Immobile.
It’s first against third in Serie A on Saturday night, kicking off at the Stadio San Paolo at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“Playing for Lazio represents a new opportunity for me,” the former Liverpool midfielder told the Serie A TIM website.
“The club opened up the doors to Italy, it means living in a marvellous city like Rome, but above all playing for a club that has a lot of history.
“Our main strength has been teamwork, as everyone who steps on to the field gives 100 per cent and we help each other out. There’s a fantastic atmosphere in the locker room and I think that’s the secret to our success.
“The fans made me feel very welcome and I thank everyone. I think together we will be stronger. I am Brazilian, but I have Italian ancestry. I grew up on a farm and really miss the horses back home. I was thinking of calling my next horse Ciro, but I’m not sure Immobile would be happy…
“I feel very Brazilian in my love of sun and music, but also in the way I play football, mixing aggression with technique. I love that Italian people are very open and that reminds me of Brazil, but comparing it to other nations, without doubt the best thing is the food. We’ve got a great chef here at Lazio.”
Having just turned 31, Leiva appreciates every moment of his career and this new lease of life he gained in Italy.
“Football has always been part of my life, as my uncle was a professional player. Playing football for a living still feels like a dream come true today. I wake up every morning and try to make the most of this wonderful opportunity life has given to me, because I know one day it will end, so I have to enjoy it.
“I want to let all the Lazio fans all over the world know that I will always give 100 per cent on the field and never give up.”