In a heartfelt speech during the celebration of Lazio’s 125th anniversary, President Claudio Lotito expressed pride in the club’s history and the passion of its supporters. “Thank you for this show that fills me with pride and passion. Twenty years ago, Lazio was on the brink of disappearing, but your passion and support have allowed us to fight back. We are fighters, not survivors,” he stated during the event held at the Campidoglio in Rome.
Lotito highlighted the significance of the occasion, noting that Lazio’s identity is deeply rooted in its rich history. “We are the first team in the capital; we were born in 1900. Being a Lazio fan represents a way of life,” he said. To commemorate this milestone, the club will debut a special anniversary kit in their upcoming match against Como on January 10.
As Lazio prepares for their next challenge following a recent defeat to Roma, Lotito emphasized the importance of focusing on future successes. “I have started work on the Academy, where a church will also be built. Only by doing this can we create a sport, in this case football, that will be educational,” he explained.
Lotito also addressed the ongoing transfer discussions regarding young talent Fazzini. “I was asked to make an offer for him, and we did; then everyone is free to accept or not. The offer was more than fair; we’re talking about over €10 million, so it’s not an insignificant amount. It’s not about Fazzini or death,” he remarked, emphasizing the seriousness of Lazio’s intentions in the market.
Regarding the club’s future plans, Lotito spoke about the new stadium project, saying, “Today, having Flaminia (the eagle) is no coincidence. Flaminia as in Flaminio (the stadium). A year ago, I launched the idea, and everyone thought ‘Lotito is doing what he always does…’ But I take action rather than just talk. For our fans. To give them a home to gather.”
He concluded with a message of pride for Rome and its citizens: “We are citizens of Rome; we want to bring pride to our city through our results. And Mayor Gualtieri, this is not meant to be a political rally, but today marks a new chapter for this city. Lazio will give us citizens of Rome our home.”
Pedro, one of Lazio’s key players, also shared his thoughts during the celebration. Reflecting on their recent derby loss, he said, “We made mistakes in the first half but must continue working hard; one game doesn’t define us. Now we have the chance to redeem ourselves against Verona and secure three points.” He added his commitment to the club’s goals: “I am very happy to be here for what Lazio represents; it’s an honor to wear this jersey. There are still many matches left; let’s see where we end up at the end of the season. The team is confident and focused on qualifying for the Champions League; it must be a priority for Lazio.”
