The Portuguese fullback only played 28 games in total for Arsenal, with reports that the training staff and Mikel Arteta did not particularly like his attitude. Matteo Guendouzi believed otherwise, and said his former teammate had a lot of potential:
“I know Nuno Tavares. We played together at Marseille and he is a friend of mine!
“When he called me and told me that Lazio were looking for him, I pushed to have him come because I know he is a great player and I think he can become one of the best full-backs in Italy. He has great qualities. I am 100 per cent sure of his qualities.”
Nuno Tavares extremely happy at Lazio
The fullback has been off to a flying start this season, and leads Serie A in assists. Tavares has five assists and four big chances created, top five players in the league in both metrics.
The Arsenal loanee says Lazio is the perfect environment for him currently:
“I feel more and more at home at Lazio. Fortunately, things are going well for me personally and collectively. I think we have risen to the challenge and can only think about improving. We still have a long way to go but, for now, the balance is very positive.”
“I feel good watching my team-mates. It’s good to have this understanding with them in this short space of time. We can only improve. I’m very happy to be here.”
Serie A side will sign Arsenal loanee on a permanent deal
The defender has a €5million clause in his loan deal with Lazio, and is set to leave Arsenal on a permanent deal by next summer.
Lazio head coach Marco Baroni was in awe of Nuno Tavares after his first few games at the club.
“Tavares is a player who possesses great potential. No wonder he was an Arsenal player. We must now put him on the right path. He did very well against Milan, we were waiting for him because he had a small injury following his arrival. He started his last match in February, but you can still see his great potential. I’m convinced that we’ll create the right fabric and structure for him to give his best and improve even further.”
0 Comments