Pedraza Admits Ex-Lazio Star Convinced Him to Join, Reveals European Ambitions

FolioPitch.com – 24 July 2026 | In a press conference that marked his official unveiling as a Lazio player, Alfonso Pedraza admitted that former Lazio goalkeeper Pepe Reina played a pivotal role in convincing him to make the move from Villarreal. The left-back, who signed a pre-contract agreement in February, also revealed his strong desire to help the club return to European competitions. This article explores Pedraza’s motivations, his conversations with ex-Lazio star Reina, and his bold ambitions for the upcoming season.

A New Chapter for Pedraza

Alfonso Pedraza, 30, spent his entire career at Villarreal before opting to leave on a free transfer. His decision to join Lazio came after months of deliberation, but the Spaniard insists he has no regrets. “I’m very happy to join the Lazio family. From the very beginning, it was clear to me that this was the right choice,” Pedraza said during the press conference. He highlighted the warm welcome from his new teammates and the similarities between Italian and Spanish culture as factors that eased his transition.

Pepe Reina’s Influence

When asked about the key influences behind his move, Pedraza admitted that ex-Lazio star Pepe Reina convinced him to join the Biancocelesti. Reina, who played for Lazio between 2020 and 2022 and is now a coach at Villarreal, spoke highly of the club. “Before coming here, I spoke to Pepe Reina. He told me great things about Lazio and the fans. That conversation really helped me make up my mind,” Pedraza revealed. He also mentioned that current Lazio striker Boulaye Dia, his former teammate at Villarreal, provided glowing references about the club.

The phrase “Pedraza Admits Ex-Lazio Star Convinced Him to Join Reveals European Ambitions” sums up the narrative perfectly. The defender is not only thankful for Reina’s advice but also eager to meet the high expectations set by the club’s hierarchy. “The ambition is always to aim as high as possible. We’re at a great club, so the objective has to be qualifying for Europe,” Pedraza stated. He acknowledged last season’s Coppa Italia final appearance as a benchmark and expressed hope to repeat that success while securing a spot in continental tournaments.

No Regrets Amid Transition

Despite ongoing fan protests against the club’s management and Maurizio Sarri’s departure, Pedraza remains unfazed. “Second thoughts? Not at all. I’ve remained very calm. Even when Sarri left, I was completely relaxed,” he said. The arrival of new coach Gennaro Gattuso, who previously worked in Spain with Valencia, provided additional reassurance. Pedraza noted that change is part of football and that he is fully focused on contributing on the pitch.

Competition on the Left Flank

With Nuno Tavares also vying for the left-back position, Pedraza acknowledged the healthy competition. When asked about the starting role, he laughed and said, “That’s a question for the coach. I’ll always give my best in training, and then it’ll be his decision who starts.” Pedraza described Gattuso’s tactical demands as intense and attack-oriented, which suits his playing style. “Right now, the manager wants us to play with intensity and attack according to each player’s individual strengths,” he explained.

Conclusion

Alfonso Pedraza’s arrival at Lazio marks a significant addition to the squad. His admission that ex-Lazio star Pepe Reina convinced him to join reveals the strong network of former players who continue to promote the club’s image. With clear European ambitions, Pedraza is determined to help Lazio climb back into continental competitions. “Pedraza Admits Ex-Lazio Star Convinced Him to Join Reveals European Ambitions” is not just a headline—it’s a promise of the drive and determination the Spaniard brings to the Eternal City. Lazio fans will hope his impact mirrors the confidence he exudes.