Brazilian Hernanes edged closer to completing a move from Lazio to Inter on Friday, a day after an emotional exit from the Roman club marked by tears and gifting his football boots to waiting fans.
The 28-year-old midfielder, who did not train with Lazio on Friday morning, is expeced to be confirmed as an Inter player later in the day.
However his exit from Lazio, where he was hugely popular with the Biancocelesti fans, was not without emotion.
Hernanes was pictured on television on Thursday in emotional exchanges with fans who had waited for him to leave the club's training ground.
Sitting at the wheel of his car, Hernanes broke down in tears before turning to the passenger seat, taking his boots and handing them to a waiting supporter.
On Friday around 200 fans were camped outside the residence of Lazio president Claudio Lotito hoping to convince the club chief not to sell the Brazilian internationl.
The player later explained on his Facebook page: "I cried, not because anyone is forcing me to leave the club, but because I'm leaving a club, a city and a people I love."
Turning his attention to Lazio's fans, he added: "Even if you hate me for these words, I want to say thank you for all the love you have shown me since the day I arrived."
Although the deal has yet to be officially announced, Hernanes virtually confirmed his departure when he added: "The decision is purely mine. I'm leaving because of purely football reasons.
"I told the president I want to leave because I believe it will help my career as a professional footballer."
Inter currently sit fifth in Serie A, albeit 11 points behind third-placed Napoli who occupy the third and final Champions League qualifying spot.
Lazio sit in 10th, five points behind Inter in the last available league spot offering qualification for the Europa League.
Source: AFP
