Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has said farewell to Lazio fans after eight years, completing his transfer to Al-Hilal. ‘It is difficult to find the right words to say goodbye to you…’
The Serbia international put pen to paper today on a three-year contract with option for a fourth that is believed to be worth circa €20m per season.
The Saudi Pro League side were the only ones willing to meet the €40m asking price for a player whose deal was due to expire in June 2024.
“Today is a strange day for me, it is difficult to find the right words to say goodbye to you…” he wrote on his Instagram page.
“It has been 8 years since my arrival and I can never forget all that we went through together. The Coppa Italia, the two Supercups, all the goals and assists. You always supported me and gave me the strength of a real SERGEANT.
“All this will never be forgotten and I will always carry it in my heart. Lazio and our people together with all the teammates I worked with over the years, it was a real family.
“I learned so much here and became the man I am today. Thanks also to the coaches and all the staff that worked with us, and to the fans who with their passion helped us achieve results that seemed impossible.
“The last joy with the Sergeant was qualifying for the Champions League and I hope all of you achieve many more great things.
“Forza Lazio! You will always be my second home. Sergente.”
The nickname ‘Sergente’ – which means Sergeant – came from the pronunciation of his first name, Sergej.
Many of the responses to the message from Lazio fans showed disappointment for his decision to leave just as they had qualified for the Champions League, joining a club in the Saudi Pro League rather than seeking to further his career ambitions.