Lazio president Claudio Lotito has praised Miroslav Klose after the striker became the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer and was adamant that the veteran is not for sale despite rumours claiming otherwise.
The 36-year-old, who had been linked with a move away from the Biancocelesti this summer, scored his 16th World Cup goal during Germany’s 7-1 domination over Brazil on Tuesday, breaking Ronaldo’s previous record of 15 goals, and the Aquilotti chief has no intentions of letting the ageing talent go before the start of the 2014-15 campaign.
Lotito released an official statement speaking about Klose’s achievement and congratulated him, while also commenting on the striker’s future with Lazio.
“I personally congratulate Miro Klose for having achieved the record as the all-time leading World Cup goalscorer, reaching 16 goals,” said the 57-year-old.
“He is an indestructible player, the image of happiness. I brought him to Lazio convinced I had signed a great professional and he has never failed to live up to his expectations.
“He deserves the success he has had and the milestone he reached against Brazil. His loyalty has been important for international football and it’s the pride of our club.
“Over recent weeks there have been false reports that we might sell him. I repeat that Klose is not for sale and I am sure that next season he will give more joy to the Biancocelesti supporters.”
The capital city club’s president also spoke to Italian radio station Rai Due about the German international and took a shot at Roma and Brazil national team defender Maicon.
“Now we have a champion who has scored the most goals in World Cups,” he said. “And that champion is Klose, but he is not for sale. I’ve never put him on the market.
“He has reached the quota that he needed to reach, regardless of whether or not he scores in the final.
“His future? In order to receive offers for a player, he must be placed on the market and Klose is not for sale.
“The penalty claimed by Maicon? There was nothing, he threw himself to the ground. Those at Roma are professional divers, they go to diving school.”
