Djordjevic: Lazio is the right club for me

Date: 11th July 2014 at 8:00pm
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New Lazio signing Filip Djordjevic has revealed that he’s happy to have joined the Aquilotti and insists that the Italian side is the right club for him.

The 26-year-old striker, who was recently signed by the Biancocelesti along with Dutch defender Edson Braafheid after completing their medicals on Monday, is looking to prove himself in Italy’s top tier and hopes to help the capital city club make up for their poor run during the 2013-14 campaign by aiding them in their mission to regain a spot in Europe.

Djordjevic spoke during a press conference alongside Lazio president Claudio Lotito and coach Stefano Pioli about why he joined the Serie A side and admitted that he’s excited to begin his new journey in Rome.

“This club left fantastic impressions on me, now I have four important years here in Rome and I’m expecting an important season, better than the last,” said the former Nantes man.

“I want to show everyone my qualities, I’m happy to be here. I’ll do anything I have to as soon as possible to learn Italian, just as I did with French.

“I want to thank my agent Alessandro Lucci, it is thanks to him that I’ve arrived here. We have done a lot and this is a big step for me, I owe him so much.

“I had so many choices on where I could have gone, but my agent Lucci and I have decided that this was the right club for me, where I have the chance to play a lot and score.

“I’m studying Lazio to understand what I can bring to the table. It’s hard to say what impact I can have here though, since I’ve never played in Italy.

“I’m someone who tries to score as many goals as possible, one that always seeks the right position to score from, but I don’t have any ideal positions. However, it’s also important for a striker to be the first line of defence, you have to help your team-mates.

“Other Serbians who played for Lazio? It’s beautiful that Sinisa Mihajlovic and Dejan Stankovic have done well here, I’m hoping to do the same.

“Dusan Basta? We’ve talked about a bit of things, but nothing really in particular. I’m happy that he’s here with me.

“The Nantes fans? I had many great moments with them, I hope to have a good relationship with the fans here as well.

“Miroslav Klose? He’s a big name, I can learn a lot from him, but I think I can also play well alongside him.

“I’ve spoken with Aleksandar Kolarov about this city and where to live. We also talked about what it’s like playing here, not about the derby though. But it excites me so much to think about playing in the derby against Roma.

“The pressure from Roma does not scare me. I want to show them who I am. The fans are a bit warmer but they have more motivation to be.

“I will do everything to conquer Europe with Lazio, especially after the complicated and difficult run they had last season.

“How many goals do I want to score? It depends on the team, there is no specific figure. I just want to have a good season, I like Lazio.

“Now I’m only thinking or preparing, training, working and avoiding injury, the amount of goals will depend on all of those things.

“I’m only thinking about winning and giving my best.”

Lotito also weighed in on the signing of the Serbian international and commented on the Biancocelesti’s objectives for the new season.

“We have not been sitting around hand in hand, beyond those who said we have been motionless,” said the club president.

“We wanted Djordjevic dearly, I thank him because he has completed our front line. His manager has demonstrated seriousness and honesty in our relationship.

“Djordjevic is here today because he has made a deliberate choice based on conviction. It has been weighted, but he chose Lazio because he thought he could show his potential here. We’ll see his qualities on the field, but he’s fundamental to the success of this club.

“I hope he can settle in well here in Rome, in a team that is a source of pride for all. Pioli will take advantage of his quality and in a few days you will see the new technical solutions with the new purchases.

“The new season? I hope that the work of the club is evaluated to see what has been done on the pitch, I hope that everyone understands the efforts of this club. Djordjevic is a key component in our goals.”

Lazio boss Pioli then spoke of his own recent arrival at the capital city club and confirmed that he sees Djordjevic as an important asset to the team.

“My first impression here was a positive one, I found that the whole team and group was available,” said the tactician.

“We’ve started to work, the preparation will be important because a new coach brings new tactics and rules. Now it will take the willingness on everyone’s part to work together with dedication and enthusiasm.

“Djordjevic is determined and has presented himself well. I’m waiting to see for myself but I can already tell that he has the quality, features and characteristics to become important for us.”

 

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