Ciro Immobile, now thriving at Besiktas, has opened up about his departure from Lazio and his new adventure in Turkey. In an interview with Sky Sport, the former Lazio captain shared his thoughts on the transition and his experiences in his new club.
Discussing his move to Turkey, Immobile said, “During the journey that took me from Italy to Turkey, I had positive thoughts: I was enthusiastic about facing this new adventure, wanting to start with the right attitude. My mind was focused on doing well: I liked the idea of change, but at the same time I was a little scared after eight years at Lazio.”
He added, “But in the end, I had the enthusiasm that everyone has when they change teams: I had the desire, the hunger to start over, to have new stimuli. I was a little sad, especially because I had left my family in Italy. But I needed such an impact in Turkey: I came in, scored two goals, was named man of the match, and lifted the trophy. It gives you a certain charge.”
Reflecting on his time at Lazio, Immobile spoke about the changing nature of his relationship with the fans: “The Lazio fans loved me to madness. I loved them in the same way, but it was becoming a love only for what I had done and not for what I could still give, and this weighed on me a bit.”
He continued, “In football, the players who go on are those who have more continuity, I’ve always thought that. Now, however, in Turkey I’m very well, this stadium envelops you. The championship is of a good level and I came here to continue doing what I like: having fun.”
Immobile also touched on the challenges he faced towards the end of his time at Lazio: “After Sarri’s farewell, I went through a really tough period. As captain, I took on responsibilities that I didn’t even think I had: I wasn’t ready and I ended up in a vortex bigger than me. If you’re not clear-headed, your legs don’t work and you get hurt, exactly as happened to me. All these things led me to decide to leave.”
The striker expressed one regret about his departure: “My only regret is not having said goodbye to the fans. Like all stories, there’s a beginning and an end: it would have been nice to be able to share a good ending together, it doesn’t mean that a farewell can’t happen with a smile, with joy. It would have been like a see you later between two friends who take two different paths. That stayed with me.”
