Lazar Samardzic reveals why he had ‘no uncertainty’ about joining Atalanta, finding his favourite role on the pitch and when he was approached by Barcelona and Milan as a child.
The 22-year-old was born and raised in Berlin, but after representing Germany at youth level, he chose to take his first senior steps in the Serbia jersey.
He flourished at Udinese after the €3m move from RB Leipzig in 2021 and had been on the verge of a transfer to Inter, but joined Atalanta on loan with obligation to buy for €20m plus €5m in add-ons.
“When Atalanta called, I knew that I wanted to come here and had no uncertainty, because this is a club where so many players manage to develop their full potential,” Samardzic told Cronache di Spogliatoio.
“I had great expectations on what Gian Piero Gasperini would demand of me and I have to say he satisfied all of them. I love his mentality, he believes you must attack and enjoy your football.”
Samardzic flourishing with Atalanta
The attacking midfielder has two goals and an assist in 11 competitive games for Atalanta so far this season and is relishing new freedom compared to the start of his career.
“With Atalanta I have been allowed to advance forward more than at Udinese, and I really feel at ease. If I could choose, I’d like to start in an advanced role on the right, because it lets me cut inside and shoot with the left foot. I have many areas where I want to improve and know that at the moment I am not as physically strong as I should be.”
Samardzic confessed he has bonded particularly well with Sead Kolasinac and Charles De Ketelaere, but his best friend in Serie A is playing for another team.
“Kenan Yildiz is like a brother to me. We speak often and in the summer we train together when we’re back home in Berlin.”
His career almost took a very different path, but Samardzic and his family were in no hurry to climb the ladder.
“I started at Hertha Berlin and the experience at Leipzig was incredible, because they have everything a young player could need. At that time, I already received interest from Barcelona and Milan. I remember Patrick Kluivert, who at the time was in charge of the Barcelona youth academy, came to visit our family home. We were also invited to the Milan training centre, but with my family, we decided it was better to wait.
“It was tough turning down Barcelona, especially as my idol was Lionel Messi and my first jersey was a Barca one.”