Nigeria's Makinwa joins Lazio

By Oluwashina Okeleji
BBC Sport

Makinwa has signed a four-year deal with the 2000 champions

Nigeria international Stephen Makinwa has joined Roman giants Lazio from fellow Italian side Palermo.

The forward signed a four-year deal to create a co-ownership agreement between the two clubs, with Lazio having the option to buy him outright.

"This transfer has taken a long time to sort out but I am happy to have finally joined my dream club," the 23-year-old told BBC Sport.

"Lazio is a massive club with great history and I can't wait to start - I just feel incredible joy."

The striker, who had also attracted the interest of Torino and former club Atalanta, had been hankering for a reunion with Lazio coach Delio Rossi, under whom he played at Atalanta in the 2004/05 season.

"Under Rossi, it's a great motivation and a golden opportunity for me because he has contributed immensely to the development of my game."

Makinwa, who has also turned out for Modena and Genoa in Italy since 2000, also offered his gratitude to Palermo for allowing him to complete his move.

The Sicilian club reluctantly let the Nigerian, who signed a five-year deal with the club last year, move to the Italian capital after agreeing terms with Lazio on Monday.

"I will always keep a part of Sicily with me because despite all the challenge, the fans and the president stood by me," he said.

"I had a family atmosphere there and wish the club all the best, but the main thing now is to fulfil the ambition of the Lazio fans.

"It's a big opportunity for me to be joining one of the teams I regard as the biggest in Italian football and my major aim is to win as many trophies as possible with this great club."

Makinwa arrived in Italy from Nigerian amateur side FC Ebedei to join AC Reggiana and had spells with Conegliano and Como Calcio before joining Modena.