Paulo Dybala said he thought he would be at Juventus for ‘many more years’ ahead of his final home match with the club.
The Argentina forward, nicknamed La Joya, will leave the Bianconeri after seven seasons with the club when his contract expires at the end of the campaign.
His next destination his not yet known but, on Instagram as well as in a series of posts on Twitter, the thanked the club and the fans for their support.
“It is difficult to find the right words to say bye to you,” Dybala wrote. “There are so many years and so many emotions all together.
“I thought we would have stayed together a few more years but destiny has led us down different paths.
“I will never forget everything you gave me; every match, every goal. I have grown up, learnt with you. I have lived a dream.
“It has been seven magical years with 12 trophies and 115 goals that no one can ever take away. Ever. Thank you for supporting me during the difficult moments.
“Thank you to those who have been with me these years: from the first to the last, from fans to the those within the club, everyone, managers and team-mates, staff and directors.
“Wearing this important shirt alongside the captain’s armband has been one of the proudest moments of my life, which I one day hope to show my children and grandchildren.
“Tomorrow will be my last match with this shirt, it’s difficult to imagine but it will be our last goodbye. It won’t be easy but will step onto the pitch with a smile and my head held high, knowing I gave everything for you.”
Dybala joined the club from Palermo in 2015 and was a member of five Serie A-winning sides.
The Argentina international also won the Coppa Italia on four occasions and he won the Serie A MVP award in 2019-20.
Dybala helped Juve reach the 2016-17 Champions League final, scoring twice a stunning 3-0 win over Barcelona the quarter-final first leg.
One of the criticisms of Dybala is his injury record. He has made 291 appearances in his seven seasons with the club.