After joining the club on a free transfer last week, new Lazio defender Danilho Doekhi has been introduced to the press.
The 28-year-old saw out his contract with Union Berlin before joining the Biancocelesti, effectively replacing Mario Gila, who was sold to AC Milan . Following Alfonso Pedraza 's unveiling, Lazio sporting director Angelo Fabiani introduced the Dutch centre-back, who expressed his delight at joining the Italian capital side (via La Lazio Siamo Noi ).
It's a pleasure. I'm very happy to be here. Lazio are a great club, and I'm here with my family. It's wonderful to be at Lazio. When you're a free agent, you receive a lot of offers. Then Lazio came in, and I felt it was the perfect fit for my characteristics. From that moment, I had no doubts.
Doekhi isn't only renowned for his defensive credentials, but also for his occasional attacking contributions, having scored six goals last season.
I like keeping clean sheets and helping the team win matches. And if I can chip in with a few goals as well, even better.I've been quite fortunate (with injuries). I played every minute over the last two seasons without missing any time through injury. I've never had any major injuries. I take good care of myself off the pitch, I eat well, rest properly, and always prepare in the best possible way for the next match. I didn't speak to any other players about Lazio, though.
Doekhi is confident his characteristics are well-suited for Italian football, especially after chatting with his former Union Berlin teammate, Leonardo Bonucci, who paid Lazio a visit this week.
I think I'll adapt well to both the team and Serie A. A lot of people have told me that.
I spoke with Bonucci a lot. For us in Berlin, he was a legend. I asked him for advice about playing in Italy , and he was one of the people who told me that my characteristics are very well suited to this league.
Finally, Doekhi insisted that switching from Union Berlin's three-man backline to Gennaro Gattuso's four-man defence won't cause him any issues.
That's true, I've played in a back three over the last two years, but when I was younger I often played in a back four. I can't wait to get started.
