Ciro Immobile sent a heartfelt message to the Lazio fans following his move to Besiktas, sharing his emotions after an incredible eight-year stay.
The 34-year-old Italian striker’s adventure with the Biancocelesti has come to an abrupt end, with the Turkish side quickly setting up a €3 million deal to secure a transfer. He has agreed to a two-year contract worth circa €6 million net per season plus add-ons, ending an impressive cycle in the Italian capital.
Immobile grew into a talismanic figure during his eight-year stay with Lazio, winning multiple Capocannoniere titles and helping the club win three trophies in the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana. He netted 207 goals and provided 54 assists in 340 games across all competitions.
Speaking in a video produced by Lazio, Immobile sent an emotional farewell to the Lazio fans, thanking them for their years of support and detailing his feelings after his eight years at the club.
Dear Lazio fans, we chose this location because everything started from here, this was my place in the locker room, where we built our victories and our joys, right from here.
I’m surrounded by so many emotions inside me, and I think that these last two or three days, having to reach such a difficult decision, hasn’t been the best for me.
In the end I spoke with the president and the club, I believe that my decision was accepted for the path that has been here.
Like all things, there is a beginning and an end, even if this is the end of a beautiful adventure. Sometimes life brings you choices, I thought it was right.
I thank everyone: president, directors, coaches. Especially the teammates who allowed me to become who I am at this club. Thanks and the biggest hug goes to all the fans, to the people of Lazio who made me feel at home from day one. We have had an incredible growth journey together in these eight years.
Rome has become my and my family’s second home. I would’ve liked to hug you one by one, but things move fast in the transfer market and decisions have to be made in moments.
It’s right that to look ahead and have a new experience. I’ll remain linked for life to this shirt, to this club, to these fans who loved and appreciated us so much.
I got to see the new guys and talk to my old teammates. I saw them all super excited, it’s right that there’s an aura of uncertainty but when I arrived there was the problem with Bielsa. We started again and made Lazio history in recent years.
I saw this again, when there is such a big revolution, I believe that the team, the club and everyone must have the affection of the people. Help these new guys too, I saw them super excited to face such a difficult season.
I also spoke to the coach, he accepted my decision but he also told me he would’ve liked to work together, but he accepted what I decided with my family.
We’ll stay close to you, you have an important season ahead of you, I will be rooting for you. There’s no point in going over what we did together, I’ve been watching videos and reading letters for three days. The affection you have shown me in these last days but not only those.
I think the time has come to say not farewell but goodbye, this’ll always remain my home. I want to send a huge hug from me and Jessica. She too was an integral part of the Lazio family. I hug you, I’ll cheer for you. I’m a Lazio fan. I send you a big hug, I hope to see you soon.
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