Lazio statement expresses solidarity to Rovella, but also puts all the blame on him

Lazio fans reacted angrily after the club released a statement that seemed initially to be supportive of Nicolò Rovella, but ultimately made clear ‘it was the player’s decision’ to avoid surgery.

The midfielder has been out of action since September 21 when the recurring sports hernia issue deteriorated, forcing him to limp off in the Derby della Capitale against Roma.

It was reported multiple times that he had resisted pressure from the Lazio medical staff to undergo surgery, and he instead demanded they stick to conservative treatment.

That has now failed and Rovella released a statement via Instagram Stories confirming he is now “forced to have surgery.”

This is where the versions split, because the player insisted it was a shared decision to attempt this approach.

“I am reading many inaccurate things being said about me. The only truth is that after Sassuolo and the derby, where I played in critical condition and gritting my teeth, I had a lengthy consultation with the medical staff, the club and my family, and together we agreed to opt for conservative treatment that had positive results in many other cases, and above all would’ve sped up the recovery time.”

Lazio released their own formal statement this evening that gives a very different version of events, albeit coated in conciliatory language.

“All the Lazio family is by Nicolò Rovella’s side. We appreciate the transparency and maturity with which he shared a journey that was not easy.

“From the very start, the choice to avoid an operation and attempt conservative treatment was a decision made by the player, just as today is the decision – equally tough – to proceed with the surgery.

“The club always supported him, in every evaluation, along with the medical staff. Nicolò faced complicated weeks with professionalism, sacrifice, and an enormous love for the shirt: he trained and played even when it wasn’t easy, often pushing through pain, always for the good of the team.

“Today we are all with him. The Lazio family, his teammates, the staff and everyone around the Biancocelesti await him and will accompany him step by step until his return to the pitch.”

The language did not fool the Lazio supporters, who responded with anger and irritation under the X message of this statement.

“You basically released a fake message of support whose only objective was to say it was all his fault,” was one reply that summed up the general tone.

Another less subtle version replied: “Ouch, you just **** on him from a great height by dumping all the blame on his head.”