Sport Witness have cited two articles from Italy claiming that Valentino Lazaro is still hoping he has a future at Inter Milan.
However, none of the articles cite any recent comments from Lazaro, who by all accounts, seems to love it at Newcastle. So we’re not sure where the information that Lazaro is keen to resume his career in Italy is coming from.
There was a report in late January with comments from Lazaro’s agent, Max Hagmayr, in which he said that his client’s summer plans were still to return to Inter. This is what Hagmayr said at the time:
“Valentino is happy to play in the Premier League and to be able to improve himself and show his quality in the English league.
“The player’s first choice is to go back to Inter. With more time available, he wants to demonstrate that he can help the Nerazzurri to win the Scudetto.”
These comments did not concern us because Lazaro had just signed for Newcastle three days before. He was likely still disappointed that his big move to Inter had gone so badly.
Hagmayr followed up a a few weeks later in an interview with the Chronicle claiming that Lazaro was thrilled at Newcastle. This is what he said after his client had been with Newcastle for a couple of weeks:
“He’s very happy to be in Newcastle. It’s a top club. We also had very good talks with RB Leipzig and other clubs, but we decided to go to Newcastle because Steve Bruce gave the boy a very good feeling, and the talks and negotiations with Lee Charnley were good.
“The other clubs also told him he would play – all the clubs said the same ahead of the European Championships – and it was not about money because he could have earned the same at every club.
“It was the small things that made you feel that this might be the right club.
“It was how Steve Nickson introduced the club and how they made the decision to go for Valentino. He was very well-prepared. They were checking Valentino, and this gives you a good feeling.
“Not only that, they like the player, and they want him, but they made the decision for him, and that made him feel safe after the six months at Inter.
“When I see Valentino now and how happy he is, I know we did a few things right coming here. We will see what’s going on in the next few months, but first of all we have to live in the now.
“I would not say no [to a permanent deal] because we appreciate everything Newcastle is doing for Valentino.”
Every indication we’ve seen from Valentino is that he loves being at Newcastle. So we’re not sure if the reports from Italy have any inside information on Lazaro or they are just retreading old ground.
Newcastle have an option to make Lazaro’s deal a permanent one for around £20m. It’s far too early for that to be considered at this point. The 23-year-old has made just 5 appearances on Tyneside so far.
However, both reports from Italy suggest that Inter manager Antonio Conte does not see Lazaro as part of his future plans. So that bodes well for Newcastle if he performs well in our remaining games this season – if and when the Premier League resumes normal activities.
6 comments so far
lochinvar
Mar 13, 2020 at 2:35 PM
Comment #1Lazaro clearly stays.
Would you want to go back to Italy now ?
SJP is next to the RVI
We still have pasta on the shelves
Some great Italians in town.
Ashley gives out free pizza
IrishRob
Mar 13, 2020 at 2:40 PM
Comment #2The summer won’t slow this down at all. Humidity will be higher in the summer creating more of a vehicle to carry the virus. It will be harder to control fevers. It is not stopped by heat also as evidenced by the fact that places like Mexico and MOST countries in Africa are just as infected.
So the virulence of the pathogen may even be increased in the hotter summer months. I am just presuming of course but the likelihood of something making it go away is time and lots of it.
stan anderson
Mar 13, 2020 at 2:42 PM
Comment #3Dont blame the lad if he wants success.
I cant understand why folk want Liverpool to not win the title.
They have been the best footballing team to watch since day 1 this season.
Apart from the Toon who would people prefer to win it?
Manure,Shity,Chelski,Spuds and the once was special 1 or the fun.Gooners.
Who has been the best and who deserves it.
Are we just a little envious of them as they mostly have been run as a proper club that has left us in the dark ages.
Up for the cup eh.
Mister Tuff
Mar 13, 2020 at 2:45 PM
Comment #4See Moanster having a go at the English again.
Whilst it is common and convenient on here to adopt a three wise monkeys approach to matters involving your blog cronies/blog enemies – the chronology of the Irish v English is as follows. Fact not made up.
Couple of years back Moanster made reference to the Irish being subject to the oppression of the English for centuries. I challenged him on this and he denied all knowledge of the content or the post.
Not posted to stir the pot but to get the chronology of events correct.
Moonraker15
Mar 13, 2020 at 3:02 PM
Comment #5Stan
Yes! I’m envious of the bin-dippers! Once they have clinched the league they’ll be crowing for ever! “Best team in the world” and all that!
You have your opinion and I have mine but I think the scousers are, generally speaking arrogant!
Moonraker15
Mar 13, 2020 at 3:08 PM
Comment #6Might I add that the only difference is the owners who have invested huge amounts of money and re-invested when they sold top players like Suarez!