Brazilian star Hernanes has targeted a 'brilliant career' in Italy after sealing his move to Lazio.
Brazilian midfielder relishing new challenge
Brazilian star Hernanes has targeted a 'brilliant career' in Italy after sealing his move to Lazio.
There was widespread interest in the midfielder this summer but Lazio pulled off a major coup over the weekend by signing him from Sao Paulo.
He has penned a five-year contract after the clubs agreed an undisclosed fee thought to be in the region of 10million euros (£8.2m).
Hernanes is delighted with the switch and believes it is the ideal stage of his career to embark on a new challenge.
"This is the right moment to leave [Sao Paulo]," the 25-year-old told
Corriere dello Sport.
"I achieved a lot and there was little else for me to aim for.
"The choice to come to Lazio was an easy one as they always demonstrated faith in me from the moment they declared their interest.
"I still know little about the Biancocelesti but I intend to find out more in the coming weeks.
"Now I want to achieve success like I did in Brazil. I want to win with Lazio and enjoy a brilliant career in Italy."
Reja delight
Lazio manager Edy Reja is excited about working with Hernanes and feels his arrival will help get the best out of other players.
"Everybody knows he was exactly what we had been looking for," Reja told
Il Messaggero.
"I must compliment the president [Claudio Lotito] and the entire club for this transfer.
"Hernanes is a very important player who will allow the technical level of the squad to step up a level.
"I am still unsure about when he will be at my disposal [due to Hernanes' commitments with the Brazil national side] but I am looking forward to his arrival."
