Arsenal Loanee Reveals His Favorite Lazio Moment, Looks Back on Nottingham Forest Experience

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The Laziali

·9 de marzo de 2025

Arsenal Loanee Reveals His Favorite Lazio Moment, Looks Back on Nottingham Forest Experience

Lazio left-back Nuno Tavares is enjoying what might be the most prosperous campaign of his career so far.

The Background

The 25-year-old signed for the Biancocelesti in the summer from Arsenal on a loan deal with an obligation to buy. He will only cost the Italian club €6 million which is considered an absolute bargain, but the Gunners still command a 40% sell-on fee.

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Why Nuno Tavares Chose Lazio

The left-back, who was an instant hit in the Italian capital, gave a long interview to A Bola (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), tackling several topics, beginning with the reason that prompted him to choose the Aquile above all other suitors, and Claudio Lotito pricing him at €70 million.

When you feel comfortable and you sense the club’s trust, things go well. But if I hadn’t produced at this level so far, perhaps the president wouldn’t have said it. After analyzing my career, I’m starting to look more at who really wants me, because there’s a difference between those who are interested and those who make the push. I chose Lazio because I felt they really wanted me, and when that’s the case, you’re more likely to do well. I don’t think I’ve hit my peak just yet. I’ve improved in many aspects and I know what I can still do. Consistency is what will lead me to show my value more and more and try to reach the pinnacle of my career.

Tavares Picks Best Lazio Moment

Tavares also identified the pre-Derby open door training session as his favorite moment at Lazio, as he was overwhelmed by the fans’ support.

I’d choose the open-door training session before the Derby against Roma. It was very emotional. The fans were cheering us on, shouting and singing. Even when we lost 0-6 against Inter at home, they always supported us, and then at the end of the match, when we went under the Curva Nord. They told us that they were with us regardless of the result. I think that’s what makes the difference.

The Nottingham Forest Experience

Last season, the full-back endured a challenging campaign hampered by injuries while on loan at Nottingham Forest. Nevertheless, he believes that the hurdles he endured allowed him to emerge a better player, while leaving the door open for another Premier League experience in the future.

In 2023/24 I accepted the challenge at Nottingham Forest, but then I had injuries and a managerial change. Nuno Espírito Santo managed to bring out the best in the group. Everyone was happy, there was a good atmosphere in the dressing room. Then we were penalised and we had to climb back up. It was the season in which I experienced the most what football is in terms of ups and downs, but it made me evolve a lot mentally, which is the most important thing. Today, I’m here, stronger than ever. England is the best stage in the world, so I don’t rule out a return.