Romagnoli Still Stuck in Rome – Why He Has Yet to Leave Lazio

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Romagnoli Still Stuck in Rome – Why He Has Yet to Leave Lazio

While his departure has already been confirmed, Alessio Romagnoli remains a Lazio player in name, as he has yet to sign for Al-Sadd.

Alessio Romagnoli Was Keen to Leave Lazio​

The 31-year-old has been trying to push his way out of his beloved club since January, as his relationship with Lazio patron Claudio Lotito hit rock bottom, mainly due to broken promises over a pay raise. The defender was on the cusp of signing for Al-Sadd in the winter, but the talks collapsed at the eleventh hour.

Nevertheless, the Qatari champions kept their promise by launching a new attempt in the summer, and have seemingly reached the finish line. Several reliable sources in the Italian press have described the operation as a ‘done deal‘, with Lazio agreeing to sell Romagnoli for €3 million.

Romagnoli Confirmed His Departure​

The centre-back even confirmed the move with a video message to the supporters that was displayed during the grand Anti-Lotito demonstration organized on July 2. And yet, the former AC Milan captain is still lingering in Rome.

Qatar Mourning Delays Romagnoli’s Arrival​

According to Il Corriere dello Sport and La Lazio Siamo Noi, Romagnoli was initially expected in Doha by July 5, but his arrival was delayed, as the two parties were said to be ironing out the final details in the player’s contract. Al-Sadd were also busy appointing Razvan Lucescu as their new head coach, replacing the departing Roberto Mancini.

On July 12, Qatar’s former Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, passed away, sparking nationwide mourning as well as the suspension of all sporting activities for the rest of the month. So while his former Lazio teammates are working under Gennaro Gattuso at Formello, Romagnoli is training on his own while waiting for a return to normality in Qatar.

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