The Serbian’s services have numerous reported suitors, but he says Lazio are his sole focus ahead of the new season.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has assured Lazio fans he is entirely focused on the new season with the club, despite persistent rumours he is set to depart the Stadio Olimpico.
The Serbian midfielder enjoyed a fine World Cup in Russia for his nation and has caught the eye of several clubs, including Serie A rivals Inter and Milan, along with the Premier League duo of Manchester United and Chelsea.
He returned to training this week amid speculation about his future and made his first appearance of pre-season for Lazio in the 2-0 defeat to Arsenal in Stockholm on Saturday, where he featured in the last 30 minutes as a second-half substitute.
Despite the ongoing conjecture over where he will play his trade when the season kicks off, Milinkovic-Savic insists he is only thinking about staying put.
“I’m back here and I have a contract,” the 23-year old told Lazio Style, adding: “Of course in football you never know what will happen, but my head is at Lazio and I’m focused on the team.
“I really enjoyed watching the stadium ovation when the speaker spoke my name (against Arsenal). I’m happy to be back available. I hope to play many other games.
Referring to the greeting he received from supporters upon his return to the club this week, he added: “Many fans have been waiting for me in the Paideia Clinic on the day of my medical visits; these events are always very pleasant.”
Lazio will be looking to press on for silverware following last year’s fifth-place finish in Serie A – but Milinkovic-Savic knows that it will be difficult to topple Juventus, who secured the title once more in 2017/18.
The Bianconeri have been further bolstered by the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid – and the Serbian believes that the arrival of the Portuguese legend will benefit the whole division.
“This is a great thing for Serie A because it can attract other names as well,” he stated. “The league will be more demanding than last year.”
Lazio kick off their campaign at home to Napoli on August 18 before travelling to Juve a week later on August 25.