Joseph Minala's agent speaks out on youth player's difficulties as Lazio deny he is 41-years-old

Lazio have threatened legal action against a Senegalese website which has claimed the player is older than 17

Football giants Lazio have shot down claims that their new midfield ace is more Roy of the Rover-40s than teenager wonderkid.

Their firm backing of Joseph Marie Minala came after it was alleged that the 17-year-old was in fact 41.

The Cameroon star joined the Italian team in December and has impressed in the youth team in the U20s championship.

But a Senegalese website said that Minala confessed he was turning 42 this August and had lied about his age in order to send money home to his family in Cameroon.

Lazio have threatened legal action against senego.net and the player’s agent has also stepped in to defend Minala.

Diego Tavano, told Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport: “He had a difficult time growing up. Talk to him and you’ll see he’s a 17-year-old lad in every way.”

Lazio have said they are happy Minala’s documentation is “absolutely legitimate”.