Arsenal’s Nuno Tavares has admitted he was talked into joining Lazio by former Gunner Mattéo Guendouzi.
The defender has been speaking at a press conference today, relayed by Lazio Press, about his move this summer and the man who talked him into the switch.
Tavares has joined the Italian side on loan for the season from Arsenal, the latest in a growing list of moves for him in recent years.
He joined the Gunners in 2021 from Benfica but joined Marseille on loan a year later and then Nottingham Forest last season, with all indications that he is not a part of Arsenal’s long-term plans.
He’s hoping his time in Italy can help him to get his career back on track, after something of a frustrating year at Nottingham Forest that saw them battling relegation.
Taveres only managed 12 appearances, with 696 minutes in total, across last season whilst struggling to establish himself under Steve Cooper and then Nuno Espirito Santo.
It now remains to be seen whether he can bounce back in Serie A, but he is confident he can, after receiving positive reviews from former Arsenal midfielder Mattéo Guendouzi.
“I had several experiences on my trip, the best was in Marseille. In Nottingham we fought against relegation and that made me stronger mentally,” he said.
“He (Guendouzi) had a fundamental role; we spoke three times, and he convinced me to make this choice. I want to play as much as possible because my goal is to win matches and trophies.
“I feel much better, I’m doing everything I can to get back as soon as possible. I think there is little time left until I return but I can’t say a date.”
