Danilho Doekhi Completes Lazio Move, Idolizes Ex-Man Utd Star Varane

FolioPitch.com – 15 July 2026 | Doekhi Delighted to Join Lazio Reveals Ex-Man Utd Defender as His Idol We Have a Similar Style, the Dutch defender declared in his first interview as a Lazio player. The 28-year-old joined the Biancocelesti on a free transfer from Union Berlin, signing a three-year contract through 2029. He immediately linked up with coach Gennaro Gattuso for pre-season training.

In the interview, Doekhi expressed his excitement: ‘I’m very happy to be here. Lazio are a very important club, so I’m delighted to have joined. I hope to put my qualities at the service of the team, that the club will appreciate them, and that I can help achieve our objectives. I spoke with coach Gattuso. We had a great conversation. Now we just have to get to work.’

Doekhi revealed that he already knows two Dutch teammates at Lazio—Tijjani Noslin and Mattia Taylor—which he says will help him settle. He also praised the club’s stature, stating that he followed Serie A closely and had watched Lazio multiple times.

When asked about his playing style, Doekhi highlighted his defensive reading of the game and his threat from set pieces, having scored six goals last season. He listed his strengths: ‘I’m a defender who likes to read the game. I enjoy defending, taking on attackers, and helping the team keep clean sheets. But I also like being a threat in the opposition’s box from set pieces and scoring with headers.’

Doekhi comes from a football family: his uncle is former Ajax, AC Milan, Barcelona, and Chelsea defender Winston Bogarde. He also has a cousin at Aston Villa. Doekhi consulted his uncle before the move: ‘He told me that Lazio are a great club, that Italy is a wonderful country to live in, and that the league is very competitive.’

In a notable revelation, Doekhi named his idol: ‘My idol has always been Varane. He’s retired now, but I’ve always admired him because we have a similar style of play. He’s a role model for me.’ When asked about the world’s best player, he chose Lionel Messi, citing that he had seen him play live.

The new Lazio signing chose the number 5 jersey, the same he wore at Union Berlin, where he had a happy spell. He also shared his preferred nicknames: ‘You can call me Dani, or Duki—whichever you prefer! To the fans, I’d like to say that I’m absolutely delighted to be here. I can’t wait to meet you all, and I hope I can give you plenty to celebrate.’

This signing underscores Lazio’s strategy of adding defensive depth with a proven Bundesliga performer. Doekhi’s experience and aerial ability will be valuable assets for Gattuso’s system. The phrase Doekhi Delighted to Join Lazio Reveals Ex-Man Utd Defender as His Idol We Have a Similar Style sums up the defender’s enthusiasm and his admiration for Varane’s style. He reiterated that Doekhi Delighted to Join Lazio Reveals Ex-Man Utd Defender as His Idol We Have a Similar Style is not just a statement but a reflection of his footballing philosophy.

With his arrival, Lazio fans can expect a composed, intelligent defender who contributes at both ends. The Dutchman’s professionalism and dedication to recovery should help him adapt quickly to Italian football. As Doekhi himself said, the key now is to get to work and deliver performances that make the supporters proud.