Having defended the colors of Barcelona, Villarreal, Liverpool, Naples, Bayern, Milan and Aston Villa, Pepe Reina today has begun its eighth adventure. The Spanish, as AS announced last Sunday, after having waited for the Valencia (which without the sale of Cillessen could not sign him) this Wednesday he underwent the medical examination with Lazio, who were looking for a second reliable goalkeeper for a fundamental season. The Romans will return to play a Champions League group stage for the first time since 2007, and there was no one better than the fifth player in history with the most appearances in UEFA competitions (171) to bring experience and quality to his goal.
The ex-Neapolitan will play the position with Thomas Strakosha, a talented 25-year-old goalkeeper, who has been a starter for four years with very good performances. Most likely, Reina will have space in league matches before the European matches, but the biancocelesti will give him more opportunities than expected at Milan, where Donnarumma is untouchable. With the Rossoneri (who let him out for free) he had another year left on his contract and a salary that exceeded 3 million net, but hePepe's priority was to play. In January he was transferred to Aston Villa and with 12 great performances he contributed to the unexpected salvation of the villains, who thanked him publicly when he said goodbye. In Lazio, Reina will receive almost half, but will realize the desire to continue playing in the elite until the end. On August 31 he will celebrate his 38 years, although age does not weigh on him: this afternoon he signed a two-season contract with an option for another. That course would finish just two months of his 41 years. And who knows if there will be tired …