Doekhi on joining 'very important' Lazio and reveals 'Varane is my idol'
Quick summary
Defender Doekhi speaks about his transfer to Lazio, describing the club as 'very important' and naming Raphael Varane as his footballing idol.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceDanilho Doekhi has spoken for the first time as a Lazio player, with the Dutch defender completing the final stage of his medical before joining up with his new teammates.
Speaking to the club’s official channels , the former Union Berlin man made clear his satisfaction at the move.
“I’m very happy to be here. Lazio are a very important club, so I’m glad to have arrived,” he said. “I’ve spoken with coach Gattuso. We had a good chat. Now we just have to work. There are already two Dutch lads here and that helps me a lot, it’s nice that they’re here.”
Asked to describe himself, Doekhi offered a clear self-portrait.
“I’m a defender who tries to read the game, who likes defending, taking on strikers and stopping them from scoring,” he said. “But I also like to be dangerous in the opposition box from set-pieces and score with my head.”
HEIDENHEIM, GERMANY – APRIL 11: Danilho Doekhi of 1.FC Union Berlin in action during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 and 1. FC Union Berlin at Voith-Arena on April 11, 2026 in Heidenheim, Germany. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images) New Lazio star Doekhi reveals Varane inspiration and Bogarde family ties Football runs in the family: his uncle is former Ajax, Milan, Barcelona and Chelsea defender Winston Bogarde.
“I speak with him often, about this transfer too. He told me Lazio are a great club and Italy is a beautiful country to live in, and that the league is very competitive,” Doekhi said.
His compass, though, points to a more recent great. “My idol has always been Varane. He’s stopped playing but I always liked him enormously, partly because we have a similar style. For me he’s a reference point.”
The 28-year-old has taken the number five shirt, which he wore in Berlin, and signed off with a message for his new supporters, and a choice of nickname.
“You can call me Dani, or Duki, whatever you prefer! To the fans I want to say I’m delighted to be here, I can’t wait to meet them and I hope to give them plenty of satisfaction.”
Doekhi’s arrival continues the reshaping of Gennaro Gattuso’s defence following Mario Gila’s sale to Milan, giving the Biancocelesti an experienced, physical presence at the back.
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What happened
Lazio have completed the signing of defender Doekhi, who has given his first interview as a new player. He expressed his excitement about joining the Rome-based club, calling it 'very important' in his career. The centre-back also revealed that Real Madrid and France defender Raphael Varane is his idol, suggesting a defensive role model. The transfer strengthens Lazio's defensive options ahead of the new Serie A season.
Chance analysis
Doekhi's signing addresses a key area for Lazio in central defense. By publicly citing Varane as his idol, the player signals an aspiration toward ball-playing, composed defending — relevant to how Lazio's coaches may deploy him. The interview framing suggests Lazio see this as a statement signing, which could elevate expectations in Serie A.
Lazio gain a motivated central defender with a high-profile reference point, likely improving squad depth and competition for places in defense.
Lazio's defensive depth and starting XI expectations should be adjusted upward following Doekhi's arrival.