Conceicao Tells Lazio: Sign Pele

Conceicao, who currently plays for Greek side PAOK Solonika, had a successful career in Italy, wearing the jerseys of Lazio, Parma and Inter.

It was with Lazio where the winger enjoyed the most success, helping the side to the Scudetto in 2000. The 33-year-old returns to the Stadio Olimpico tomorrow night when PAOK take on Lazio in a pre-season friendly.

"I am emotional to be back in Italy, without doubt,” Conceicao told Datasport.

“It is normal that after a few years away, to be back here is exciting. I have many beautiful memories, and it's always exciting to go back to my second home and second country.

“Lazio have always had a great team. I am talking about 10 years ago, when they had champions who were known worldwide. Now, it is no longer the same, but I believe that even today they have a good team, even with players who do not have a great name.”

Conceicao was then asked whether he could offer any advice to Lazio with regards to the transfer market, and the Portuguese wideman has recommended his compatriot Pele, who is currently a squad player at Inter.

“Lazio is doing well on the market,” he explained.

“The new purchases I do not know well, but I know that they are players who have done well in their nation.

“Pelè is a typical young Portuguese. He is good technically, wins many balls, and he would be a good purchase for the midfield.

“It would be good for him to go to Lazio because in this team and this city, he would find himself. Here players are at ease. He would have more opportunities than at Inter."

Conceicao played 56 times for Portugal, scoring 13 goals, and he was one of the stars at Euro 2000, famously scoring a hat-trick in the 3-0 demolition of Germany.

Anthony Sormani