Alessio Romagnoli turned down offers from Premier League clubs to join SS Lazio as a free agent this summer, 90min understands.
The former AC Milan captain became a free agent in June after the expiration of his contract at San Siro - bringing an end to a seven year spell at the club. Romagnoli won his first Serie A title at Milan last season, but was a bit-part player during the 2021/22 season, making 16 league starts.
The 27-year-old, who began his career at AS Roma, officially joined Lazio on Tuesday, signing a five-year deal at the Stadio Olimpico.
Speaking after the announcement, Romagnoli said: "The first Serie A game I saw was a Lazio game. [Sven-Goran] Eriksson's Lazio.
"I always saw Nesta as captain. I also had his poster. He was the strongest of all in my opinion, no one will ever be like him.
"I am a Lazio fan, I have never hidden it and I think it is also right to say it because there is no problem."
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90min understands that the centre-back did have offers from a number of Premier League clubs, including newly-promoted Fulham, but opted to join Maurizio Sarri's Lazio instead.
Le Aquile finished fifth in their first season under Sarri, missing out on Champions League football by six points. Romagnoli is the club's sixth signing of the summer so far, as the club look to improve upon last season's performances and make it back into Europe's elite cup competition.
Source : 90min