Lazio are said to have been left furious after discovering their efforts to sign David Silva had been thwarted by Real Sociedad.
The Serie A side had looked destined to sign the Spaniard on a free transfer after his exit from Manchester City.
And it was reported that they had offered the playmaker a three-year deal to move to the Stadio Olimpico.
But their efforts have fallen short amid news that Silva will now be joining Real Sociedad instead.
The La Liga side announced the signing of the 34-year-old on Monday after he agreed a deal at the Anoeta until June 2022.
Silva looks set to replace Martin Odegaard, who has returned to Real Madrid following a successful loan spell.
Reports claim that the news has left Lazio furious after they thought a deal had been agreed.
He tweeted: “Real Sociedad hijacked David Silva deal! Lazio had a total agreement on a three three years contract and medicals scheduled in Rome.
“Real Sociedad contacted him secretly. Lazio are furious.”
Lazio finished fourth in Serie A last season and could offer Silva Champions League football, unlike Sociedad.
But it seems the midfielder, who spent a decade at City and won four Premier League titles, has opted to return to his homeland.
Meanwhile, City announced earlier on Monday that they would be erecting a statue of Silva outside the Etihad to mark his time at the club.
Signed from Valencia in 2010, he made 436 appearances and helped City win 14 trophies.
"David is a transformational player, a quiet leader who has inspired everyone around him," said City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.
"David's statue will act as a lasting reminder of the wonderful moments that he gave us, not only as an incredible footballer, but as an inspiring ambassador who represented this football club with great dignity at all times."
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