Keita Balde Diao staged his protest because “another year without clarity would be damaging for the player and Lazio,” said his agent.
The 21-year-old former Barcelona striker refused to attend pre-season training and complained at his treatment by the club.
“Another year without clarity, both on and off the field, would be damaging for the player and also for Lazio,” agent Roberto Calenda told La Repubblica.
Keita Balde Diao staged his protest because “another year without clarity would be damaging for the player and Lazio,” said his agent.
The 21-year-old former Barcelona striker refused to attend pre-season training and complained at his treatment by the club.
“Another year without clarity, both on and off the field, would be damaging for the player and also for Lazio,” agent Roberto Calenda told La Repubblica.
“To avoid this, we have taken a pause for reflection, a necessary step to begin a constructive dialogue.
“First of all, I want to make it clear we have not spoken to any club other than Lazio. I met (President Claudio) Lotito and we discussed the situation in a relaxed and constructive manner.
“We did not touch upon the issue of a contract renewal, nor transfer figures, but just about the future of Keita and the rather confused way he has been treated.
“If we had wanted to create a clash, he would not have attended the pre-season medical tests. Having said that, we decided along with the club to not make him go on pre-season training, considering the difficulties that must be resolved.
“The player needs to be protected and his future planned out with more transparency. He is no longer a youth team player, so he needs to grow in order to make the most of his potential.”
Lazio have certainly been chaotic recently, as Coach Stefano Pioli was sacked in April to make way for Simone Inzaghi.
Marcelo Bielsa had signed a two-year contract, only to ‘resign’ two days later and Inzaghi was brought back again.