Lazio goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha confirms he is leaving as a free agent, reportedly to join Fulham. ‘I arrived as a child and leave with the heartache of a man.’
The shot-stopper came through the Lazio youth academy from 2012, becoming a regular in Serie A and an Albania international, following in the footsteps of his father, Foto Strakosha.
His contract expires on June 30 and last night’s 3-3 draw with Hellas Verona represented his final game for the Biancocelesti.
“I thank Lazio, it’s thanks to this club, its fans, the staff and all the teammates I had over the years if I am where I am today,” Strakosha told Lazio Style Radio.
“I arrived as a child and leave with the heartache of a man. All wonderful things have a beginning and an end, it was a wonderful journey.
“I hope that I gave kids a dream, the belief they can make it up the ranks and play in the senior squad. Getting Lazio into the Champions League was my dream come true.”
Although he did not confirm his next step, it is widely reported that Strakosha will join Fulham as a free agent.
“Lazio will always have a special fan in me. I have not spoken to other clubs yet out of respect for this club. I wish Lazio all the best, the moment has come for me to look to the future.”
The 27-year-old bows out after 207 competitive matches in the senior Lazio jersey, while he also played 13 games while on loan at Salernitana.
Fulham have just earned promotion from the Championship and will be in the Premier League for the 2022-23 campaign.
Si chiude la lunga avventura di Strakosha alla Lazio 🔵⚪️
➡️ https://t.co/WrJKp16uoP pic.twitter.com/CRQpWRmLcA
— GOAL Italia (@GoalItalia) May 22, 2022
Some team will get excellent goalkeeper for free.
@tare no team will pay a dime,he stops growing,very poor kid
Cragno could be a good replacement. Though some cheap foreigner is more likely
excellent Biancocelesti goalkeeper. thank you, Thomas.