The Djibril Cisse transfer saga has dragged on for weeks now but we seemingly have a conclusion at long last. Cisse has told Corriere dello Sport of his desire to join Lazio. All that remains is for Panathanaikos and Lazio to finalise the agreement and then Djibril is free to make Rome his home:

"Lazio is the ideal team for me, a great team in a fantastic league. It is not true that I do not want to be at Lazio, it is quite the opposite actually, I want to come to Lazio. Italy, Lazio, Serie A; it all fascinates me. I am talking to my agent about the move and hope to have news soon, these are important days. Lazio is a club of the highest level with success in the past and the desire to continue to do so. It would be great to be fighting in both the league and Europe."

It is clear that Cisse is expecting a smooth and quick end to negotiations. In fact, the French forward is more worried about his car:

"I bring it everywhere with me, I am never separated from her, of course it will come with me. Will it be hard to find parking? I will find a way."

One of the talking points surrounding Cisse throughout the speculation has been his prolific goalscoring ability. In Greece, he averages almost a goal per game. Against Roma in European competition, he has a similar record and he knows what that means to Lazio fans:

"I know I have left my mark on the superb Lazio fans with this and I would like to thank them  for the affection they have shown me. The derby is increidble, I am aware of it. I can say I am a player who gives his all and I like these challenges. I would love to make the people of Lazio happy."

Cisse was asked about forming a partnership with Miroslav Klose. While he gave thought to the idea, he was quick to bring Mauro Zarate into the equation before discussing his playing persona:

"It would be incredible to play at Miroslav but at Lazio, there is not only him, there is also Zarate. They are two champions."

"I always want to score, I must never stop trying and keep fighting. I consider myself to be a person who is never satisfied with himself, I always look for more in life and the fans like this attitude."

"I train as best I can to get ready for games, it is important to know and feel sure about what you can do."

"I look to the next objective so I can improve, grow and become stronger."

Cisse has fond memories of Panathanaikos but recognises a new challenge in Lazio:

"I give 100% to the shirt that I wear. I want to achieve more, two serious injuries slowed me down but I feel great now and I thank Panathanaikos for helping me through a difficult stage in my career."

Cisse concluded the interview by answering questions about his lifestyle and how he might adapt to Rome:

"Rome is a beautiful, historic city. It would be nice to live there. The first thing I will do is try a good restaurant. It is also true that I like fashion. Italy has a beautiful style, it is the best in the world for fashion."

(Cathal Mullan)