Lazio midfielder Luis Alberto has hit out at President Claudio Lotito for suggesting that he is replaceable.
Luis Alberto admitted only two weeks ago he would ‘never’ close the door on a return to Sevilla and that he did not know whether he would sign a new contract with Lazio.
That prompted Lotito to tell Gazzetta dello Sport on Monday: “If there's something in the world football that isn't lacking, it's players.”
Those remarks have since been met with disdain by the 26-year-old.
Lazio midfielder Luis Alberto has hit out at President Claudio Lotito for suggesting that he is replaceable.
Luis Alberto admitted only two weeks ago he would ‘never’ close the door on a return to Sevilla and that he did not know whether he would sign a new contract with Lazio.
That prompted Lotito to tell Gazzetta dello Sport on Monday: “If there's something in the world football that isn't lacking, it's players.”
Those remarks have since been met with disdain by the 26-year-old.
“Lotito’s words bothered me,” he told ABC de Sevilla.
“I didn’t understand where they came from. If you talk like that, it means you don’t value your players.
“We’ve won two trophies and I don’t think it was a coincidence. Until now, I didn’t want to say anything, I wouldn’t do any interviews, but now I need to say what I feel.
“It wasn’t that long ago that I was deemed unsellable, but now I guess we’ll see what happens.
“My Coach Simone Inzaghi was the only one who called me during this period, and he told me I was an important part of his project. He wants me to continue playing for him.
“I have a great relationship with Inzaghi, one that goes beyond the world of football.”
“The Spaniard came through Sevilla’s youth academy, making nine appearances for their first team before being sold to Liverpool for €8m in 2013.
“Sevilla are my hometown club and I’d never say ‘no’ to joining them,” he confessed.
“They haven’t called me until now, but there has been contact. I’m relaxed, it’s clear to those who know me that I’d like to play for Sevilla.
“My family are here, as are my people, the fans and even my old Coach Julen Lopetegui. I’d like to know whether I’ll be playing in Italy or Spain next season.”