Lazio Outcast Blames Lotito for Failed Homecoming: “He Refused to Let Me Leave”

In partnership with

The Laziali

·5 de septiembre de 2024

Lazio Outcast Blames Lotito for Failed Homecoming: “He Refused to Let Me Leave”

Toma Basic was dreaming of a return to his former club Hajduk Split, but claims Lazio President Claudio Lotito stood in the way.

Although the summer transfer session has already expired in Italy, the Biancocelesti can still offload some of the deadwood as the market remains open in some countries, including Turkey and Greece.

OneFootball Videos

However, the mercato is no longer open in Croatia, much to the dismay of Basic who was reportedly close to sealing a homecoming. The 27-year-old was heavily linked with a return to Hajduk Split, but the deal didn’t go through in time.

Basic Reveals Lazio President Lotito is Behind Botch Hajduk Split Return

The midfielder opened up on the matter in an interview with 24 Sata (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), stressing how he was hellbent on making the move, even though it meant taking a pay cut, but was denied by Lotito.

Hajduk did their best in the negotiations, only president Lotito had to decide, but he didn’t accept the offer and thus didn’t let me leave. This is the only reason why I haven’t returned to Croatia. I was ready to give up part of my salary. The president made his decision and there was nothing we could do about it. Obviously, I’m disappointed and still I would like to play for Hajduk again. But this time, it wasn’t possible.

Basic signed for Lazio in 2021 following a spell at Bordeaux, but failed to carve himself a starting role at the Italian club. He spent the second half of the previous campaign on loan at Salernitana. He returned to Formello in the summer only to find himself an outcast at Marco Baroni’s court. The Croatian has been omitted from both Serie A and Europa League squads.