New Lazio signing Mauricio Dos Santos Nascimento says he’s always dreamed of playing in Serie A.
The Aquile confirmed the signing of the Sporting CP defender yesterday, and have presented the player to fans and media this afternoon.
“I thank God, the President [Claudio Lotito] and the Coach [Stefano Pioli],” Mauricio said at his official unveiling.
New Lazio signing Mauricio Dos Santos Nascimento says he’s always dreamed of playing in Serie A.
The Aquile confirmed the signing of the Sporting CP defender yesterday, and have presented the player to fans and media this afternoon.
“I thank God, the President [Claudio Lotito] and the Coach [Stefano Pioli],” Mauricio said at his official unveiling.
“As a child I dreamed of playing in the Italian League. I have a winning mentality, so I hope to win a lot with this club.
“I think the level [of Serie A] is still high, I had other offers. In Italy the players are aggressive, I hope to make history with this club.
“My expectation is to help the team, and add my experience. I want to win with this team.
“We’re expecting to get third place, this is a club with great history. There must be a common purpose, from the Coach down to all the players.
“We want to finish third, and then over time improve and finish second and first.
“My first impressions have been very good. I know Felipe Anderson personally, and playing with [Miroslav] Klose and [Stefano] Mauri is a dream.
“I met the Coach before this Press conference, we’ll talk more later. After lunch I’ll do my first training session.”
The 26-year-old also explained his attributes and revealed what he sees as his best position.
“I’m a tall defender, and I’ve got pace so I can also play at full-back. When I have the opportunity, I’ll help my teammates in attack, I’m good in the air.
“I’ll help the team in defence, but where possible I’ll try to score some goals too.
“I start as a central defender, but I can adapt to play on the outside. My reference points are Andre Dias – who is highly regarded in Brazil and whose footsteps I want to follow at Lazio -, Thiago Silva and David Luiz, not just because they're Brazilians.”