Tuesday 27 December 2016 09:43, UK
Lazio are set to make a double swoop by completing the signing of Federico Marchetti and Lorik Cana.
Lazio are set to make a double swoop by completing the signing of Federico Marchetti and Lorik Cana on Tuesday.
Goalkeeper Marchetti has signed on a five-year deal after passing his medical while midfielder Cana has arrived in Rome to undergo his medical after also agreeing a five-year contract.
Marchetti was relieved to seal his move to the Stadio Olimpico after being frozen out at Cagliari for requesting a transfer, meaning his last game was for Italy at last summer's World Cup.
"It's the end of a nightmare," said the 28-year-old, who is thought to have cost Lazio 5million euros. "I prayed that this situation would be resolved as soon as possible.
"(Lazio president Claudio) Lotito has given me this great opportunity and I hope to do the best. I had no doubts in choosing Lazio, I was convinced by the project.
"From the first day they contacted me, I always hoped that the deal would materialise. I have great enthusiasm to wear the Biancocelesti shirt.
"My last game was more than a year ago but physically I feel really good because I have always trained as if I were to play each game.
"Italy is clearly an objective for me and I hope to regain my place in the national team as soon as possible."
Cana also had a disappointing season at Galatasaray, with the 17-time champions finishing a lowly eighth in Turkey, and he is eager to return to one of Europe's top leagues after spending the 2009/10 season with Premier League side Sunderland.
"I'm happy because a new adventure awaits me at Lazio," said the Albania international.
"It's always nice to join a new club. I played reasonably well last season, but I hope to do even better next season because I expect a fascinating challenge with Lazio.
"I cannot wait to wear the Biancocelesti shirt. I've always thought that going to Lazio was the best thing for me. It's a great club with fantastic fans."
Lazio finished fifth in Serie A last term, narrowly missing out on a Champions League spot.
But Cana, who turns 28 later this month, is pleased he still gets the chance to play in Europe this term.
"We will play in the Europa League and we'll compete with the most important teams in Serie A," said the former Paris St Germain and Marseille man.
"In Turkey I had difficult moments but Galatasaray will remain in my heart. Italy is also closer to my country, Albania, and my family."
It is still unclear how much Lazio have agreed to pay Galatasaray or whether goalkeeper Fernando Muslera will move to Turkey as part of the deal.
Cana would be Lazio's fifth summer signing after the arrival of Marchetti, Miroslav Klose, Senad Lulic and Abdoulay Konko.
