Lazio president Claudio Lotito claimed that new coach Igor Tudor ‘rejected Napoli and Roma’ prior to accepting the job at the Biancocelesti.
Maurizio Sarri suddenly resigned from his post in the Italian capital last week, forcing Lotito and the Lazio management to quickly find a replacement ahead of the business end of the season. The club currently sit ninth in the Serie A table, 11 points behind fourth place Bologna.
After a day or two of deliberations, Lazio decided to look to Tudor and agreed terms with the former Hellas Verona and Olympique Marseille coach, who will put pen to paper on a one-year contract with an option for a second year.
Speaking to Il Messaggero via TMW, Lotito first reflected on Sarri’s resignation and if there had long been an agreement with Tudor.
“Sarri suddenly resigned and we tried to convince him to stay. The truth is that it bothers some that we managed to resolve the problem in 24 hours on the first and only appointment.
“I picked up the phone, met the agents and received the appreciation of Tudor, who had rejected Napoli and Roma.”
The Biancocelesti president then ruled out the possible sale of the club, despite recent rumours.
“I have not given any mandate to a group of advisors to search for buyers who can help or take over the club. Everything is false, pure inventions. I’m not selling.”
Tudor is expected to be officially announced as Lazio coach at some point in the coming hours.