Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s agent says the midfielder was offered an €8m contract, likely by Paris Saint-Germain, but “he wants to give Lazio the Champions League”.
The Serbian international was heavily linked with a move away from the Aquile this summer, with Manchester United, Juventus and Real Madrid said to be interested.
However, he ultimately decided to remain in Rome, and could even sign a new contract with a €150m release clause.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s agent says the midfielder was offered an €8m contract, likely by Paris Saint-Germain, but “he wants to give Lazio the Champions League”.
The Serbian international was heavily linked with a move away from the Aquile this summer, with Manchester United, Juventus and Real Madrid said to be interested.
However, he ultimately decided to remain in Rome, and could even sign a new contract with a €150m release clause.
“Many were looking for Sergej this summer, and a few interesting offers were presented to Lazio,” Mateja Kezman confirmed, speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport.
“In the end we accepted the club’s decision without any problems. [President Claudio] Lotito and [sporting director Igli] Tare explained to us that they want the Champions League and Milinkovic is a key player in reaching that goal.
“That’s his objective too, he could have earned a lot more elsewhere, he was offered €8m in France.
“He stayed because he wants to give Lazio the Champions League, not to mention that he’s only 23. With [Coach Simone] Inzaghi he’s improving every day, and another year with the Biancocelesti will do him good.
“We have an excellent relationship with Lotito and Tare, they’re two passionate men who live by and for Lazio.
“There were offers but we never pushed for a transfer because he’s happy in Rome. He loves the city and and has a good relationship with all his teammates.
“With the club we’ve agreed on a new deal that will be signed very soon. If you can pay €70-80m for a goalkeeper then Sergej isn’t worth less than €100m.
“He’s one of the strongest players in Europe in his role, and has huge margins for improvement.”