Inzaghi’s Open Letter To Lazio Fans

The farewell between Lazio and Simone Inzaghi did a lot of harm. However, the former Lazio coach wanted to greet the Biancoceleste fans, buying a page from Corriere Dello Sport, to dedicate a letter to them:

“Dear Lazio fans, I was 23 when I arrived in Rome. I was a kid full of dreams and ambitions who only thought about becoming an established footballer. Lazio at that moment represented a splendid opportunity for me, a possibility to achieve the goals I had set for myself. I never imagined it would become my new home. Day after day, that professional experience has become much more. I have discovered a new family.

"It is not mere rhetoric, it is reality. It's been another 22 years since that time, half of my life. I grew up and became a man along with all of you, spending wonderful years. I forget neither the joys nor the tears. I do not forget the victories, nor the defeats, which never made me sleep at night. All this from my life and I will always carry it with me.

"That is why it has not been easy and still is not easy to move on. It's not something you can do in a minute, a week. It will take time to process emotions and such a radical change, where emotions collide with each other.

"I have no problem admitting that leaving Lazio was one of the most complicated choices of my life, I still haven't even had the strength to go and empty the locker in Formello. The reasons that led me to make this choice I do not want to face but we all could likely have done better. No controversy of course. I've never done them.

"The biancoceleste for me will remain only love. Without president Lotito and sports director Tare, I would never have been able to realize my dream of coaching my favorite team.

"At the same time, however, I am also a professional who loves his work: this is why my determination and the desire to get involved take me away from Rome and I don't deny being completely focused on this new adventure with Inter.

"But you, fans and friends and teammates, I miss you and I will miss you and I wanted to let you know. I am not one of many words but today I am making an exception for this very reason, also because the more the days pass, the more my thoughts come out of my heart. It is said that loved ones must be let go and I am doing it, symbolically embracing each of you.

"I gave everything I could give, also at the expense of my family, my health, and my vocal cords. Believe me, when the calendar comes out, the first thing I will do is see the day when he returns to the Olimpico. And I tell you already: I will come under the Curva Nord to greet you.

"I don't care if there are boos or cheers, I'll accept anything. I will be there. I do big good luck to Mr. Sarri. A great coach who will do Lazio good. And that he will receive a lot in return because he will find wonderful fans and a group of extraordinary guys. Footballers and, above all, fantastic men, whom I will never thank enough for always giving me everything and something more.

"And then there are many people behind the scenes in Formello who few people know, but who have been fundamental and precious for me and all of us. They accompanied me on my journey.

"I will never forget their tears: you will always have a place in my heart. I will always feel Lazio as my home and I will always and only be Simone for you. It was a privilege and a great honor. We have written and told all together years that will remain in history. I love you so much. You will always be a part of me. ”