Sporting director Igli Tare reflected on his departure from Lazio and noted he’s ‘waiting for the right offer’ amidst links to Napoli.
The 50-year-old Albanian director ended a 15-year spell in the Biancocelesti backroom staff in the summer, stepping aside to find a new adventure. He was replaced by Angelo Mariano Fabiani, who spent eight years as Salernitana’s sporting director.
Tare was once a revered figure at Lazio, helping to bring in key stars like Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Luis Alberto and Ciro Immobile, but in recent years a number of regretful deals like Dimitrije Kamenovic and Denis Vavro saw faith in the sporting director dissipate.
Speaking to Corriere della Sera via Calciomercato.com, Tare was first asked if he left Lazio because of his tense relationship with Maurizio Sarri.
“Absolutely not. A lot has been written on this point, but it isn’t like that. I spoke with Lotito, after 18 years the time had come to part ways in a civilized manner, without any disagreements.
“It would have been unforgivable for everyone. Lazio are in my heart. But I needed to look around, study, get to know other realities.”
He spoke about the qualities of the Lazio coach and how he’s similar to president Claudio Lotito.
“He is a fundamentalist, it’s true, someone who wants to do things his way, it’s his signature, his characteristic. Whoever hires him, however, knows that, they can’t change him. I’ve never argued with him, but it’s not easy, he has his own way of conceiving football and work.
“Lotito also resembles him, a president with a very strong character. At times I acted as a lightning rod – it’s part of the job of a good director – but my marriage with Lazio had reached the end of the line. Sarri has nothing to do with it. After so many years, you feel the need to see other worlds.”
The Albanian sporting director was asked about the recent links with Napoli.
“I haven’t heard from anyone, so no. Then anything can happen in football, look at the national team with Mancini and Spalletti. Ours is an evolving world, offers have something to do with it but also projects. I await the right offer.”
Finally, Tare discussed the rise of Inter coach Simone Inzaghi.
“No surprise, he was predestined, always studying football. It was normal for him to improve, he put humility and commitment into it. Now he is a complete coach, he deserves it.”