Luis Alberto must find buyers, furious Lazio president states over 3 ...

Lazio president Claudio Lotito is furious with Luis Alberto following the Spaniard’s surprise exit announcement, making clear that the player isn’t allowed to leave for free.

The 31-year-old Spanish midfielder, who has been with the Biancocelesti since August 2016, sent shockwaves amongst the fanbase following the 4-1 win over Salernitana, where he openly told the media his plans to leave, keen to terminate his contract in the summer.

Luis Alberto penned a new long-term contract with Lazio back in October, tying him to the club until June 2027 with a salary of circa €4m net per season, making him one of the highest paid players in the squad.

Speaking to Adnkronos via TMW, Lotito did not hold back when discussing the Luis Alberto situation, making it clear that Lazio wouldn’t accept a free transfer in the summer.

“He probably wants to leave for free. But no, he has a four-year contract, he’s a registered player. Let him find the club that want him.

“He asked for a renewal last summer, he’s the second highest paid player at Lazio, the contract was signed clearly, he asked for more, he didn’t show up for the training camp, as you will all remember.

“And now he came out with this, suddenly and without saying anything to us. If he wants to leave, he has to find a team that can buy him. We are a company listed on the stock exchange, these are things that cause PR and economic damage.

“Letting him go on a free transfer from a listed company means impoverishing the assets and I’m not crazy, the shareholders would kill me, and they would be right.”

The Lazio president was then asked how Igor Tudor reacted to the situation.

“Fortunately, he is one of those coaches who doesn’t let anyone influence him. We don’t throw money out the window. Rules are rules, both civil and criminal, and they must be respected.”