Frattesi: I would give all my savings for five more minutes with my grandmother

Lazio have restarted with Frattesi, and the former Inter Milan midfielder has already repaid the trust with two decisive goals, helping the Biancocelesti defeat Bologna and Genoa. He attended Lazio's pre-match press conference ahead of their away match against Udinese this weekend.

Sporting director Angelo Fabiani spoke first: "Frattesi, how did you come to Lazio? It's quite interesting. Let's move directly to the questions."

Frattesi said: "Actually, I was on a boat at the time, then I received a call from the coach. Apart from some paperwork issues, we got everything done in two or three days."

Lazio have followed you for many years. What made you decide to come here? Have you always been a Lazio fan?

"Unfortunately, nobody really paid attention to me before. My relationship with Gattuso was built in the national team, and I needed a project like this, so I made my choice quickly. I came here with passion and expectations. I want to play well, and that was what I was thinking about from the beginning. I found a great team here and a very good training center where I can train properly and enjoy football. When I was young, I was a ball boy at Lazio. My father always took me to watch matches from the Tevere stand; from the age of 11, I was usually a ball boy under the Curva Sud. I think I was standing very close to Scamacca during the Coppa Italia final. Later we took photos with the players, and I joked with him about it."

From a technical perspective, what attracted you here?

"Last season was very difficult for me. This is an important city and a great opportunity for me and Lazio to pursue important goals together."

Will you become a representative figure of someone who left a top club and chose Lazio?

"Of course. After going through a very difficult period physically and mentally last season, I realized that money is not that important. I am not saying that a person should only earn two euros an hour, but income is not the only important thing in life. I would exchange everything in my bank account for another five minutes with my grandmother."

What did not go well at Inter Milan last year?

"First of all, there were many excellent midfielders there. Then I suffered a serious injury at the start of the season. My mind wanted to play, but my legs would not respond. I only started training normally around December, but by then it was already too late, especially at a club aiming to win titles with such intense competition."

Which goal or achievement would make you climb the stands and celebrate like you did at San Siro?

"It is too early to talk about goals now because it is only August. The celebration depends on the situation. I may think about it beforehand, but when I score after 90 minutes, my mind goes blank."

What are your personal goals?

"The team's goals are the most important, because if we finish 15th, nothing matters. Of course, I want to score and assist as much as possible and help the team reach a higher position." What kind of mentality from northern football do you want to bring here? "The club level will consider these things. I found a very advanced training facility here, with many things that Milan does not have. I do not want to be some kind of savior here, but we must do the small things well; small things add up to a lot. The coach is very good at arranging training plans, but there are two or three small things that can help, and I want to bring them here." How did Gattuso convince you? "He said he would come to pick me up (laughs, editor's note). He explained the situation to me. I am the kind of person who can easily get drawn in when I hear about something impossible. He clearly told me about the situation here and the need to rebuild, and I got to know him as a person. If someone like the coach needs help, of course I am willing to contribute."

How much impact did Romagnoli's departure have on the dressing room?

"Alessio's career speaks for itself, and off the pitch I have also seen that he is a role model for many young players. There is a group of excellent Italian players here. Of course, everyone has to make choices in their careers, and we wish him good luck. What I can do is be a reference point for young players. The leader of the team is Zaccagni, and he is a very important captain." Did the enthusiasm surrounding your name surprise you? "Maybe a little, but there is also a beautiful feeling of coming home after going full circle. Many friends kept asking me when I would return, and I think it is a good thing. I also needed to feel important again. At Bologna, my form was very poor and I could only rely on passion to keep going. We have to work hard to make sure this passion does not fade."

Have you returned to your home in Fidene? If a child wanted to follow your dream, what would you tell him?

"I went back yesterday, and I also ate one kilogram of potato pizza at Appetitosa. I have always been very focused since childhood and knew clearly what I wanted to do. What I need now is belief and sacrifice. If I had one sentence for children chasing their dreams, it would be to always give everything. If you can enter this damn game, you can gain some satisfaction for yourself and your family."

How much Roman identity do you carry with you? Was returning to Lazio part of the plan?

"Returning home, yes, but not this quickly. Since my grandmother passed away, my top priority has been to return home. I know it is difficult, but I wanted to spend more time with my family because I left home when I was 16. If I can make up for that, it would be the best."