Lazio hit back at CSKA claims

Lazio have released a statement defending their efforts to sign CSKA Moscow’s Keisuke Honda in the January transfer window.

CSKA blamed Edy Reja’s club for the transfer falling through, claiming the Italian side had undervalued the Japanese international, who had reportedly all but wrapped up a deal to join the Rome club last month.

“The proposal sent to CSKA to sign Honda was worth 13 million euros over three instalments plus the sale of goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carrizo,” the statement read.

“It was the biggest economic proposal made by any Italian club in January 2012.”

The statement also downplayed suggestions of a rift between the club and star striker Miroslav Klose, who missed their 2-0 win over AC Milan in midweek.

Klose’s absence sparked rumours that he had been disillusioned with the lack of activity during the transfer window, but both the German’s agent and the club have refuted those claims.

“Miroslav Klose was attributed to having certain discussions and making critical comments against the director of sport, but the player categorically denies these quotes,” the club statement went on.

“He confirms that he considers the squad to be fully competitive for the objectives he aspires to, as proved by the recent game with Milan, which he failed to take part in only due to a physical problem.”

“Lazio once again point out to their fans that someone is trying to destabilise the atmosphere within the team and damage the cohesion that has been the principle force behind the success earned so far.”

Lazio are in fourth place in the Serie A standings, five points behind leaders Juventus.