There were emotional scenes at the airport as Ciro Immobile said it’s ‘nobody’s fault’ he is leaving Lazio and it is ‘right’ he join Besiktas, but hugged a fan in tears.
The transfer will be completed this evening, but he has already signed the two-year contract and the announcement was made on the Besiktas website.
The 34-year-old was met at the airport by Sky Sport Italia cameras and spoke about this departure, having arrived from Sevilla in 2016.
“These were eight wonderful years, it has all been fantastic. An exceptional journey, but like all great stories, there is a beginning and an end. The fans were fantastic, they gave me everything,” said Immobile.
Were there any regrets over the way his time at Lazio came to an end?
“No, it was a decision made with the utmost calm. The last year and a half have not been easy, it is right that this happens now. It is nobody’s fault.
“The important thing is to be calm when making certain decisions, and I am. I’m sorry for my family, as we had found stability in Rome. When the Besiktas offer arrived, I talked to my wife and to the President.
“I leave Lazio with a great coach, I really liked Marco Baroni’s approach. This is a young team with a lot of hunger, I will cheer them on from Turkey.”
Could Immobile come back to the club in future in another role, just as Igli Tare did as director of sport?
“We’ll see, I still want to play, but this opportunity arrived and I took it.”
There were emotional scenes as the Italy international was saying goodbye to a fan, as during their embrace, there were tears.
The centre-forward first came to the Stadio Olimpico from Sevilla in 2016 and went on to become a legend for the club, scoring a record 207 goals in 340 competitive matches.
Immobile hugs fan in tears
🔴#Immobile in partenza per Istanbul: “Scelta presa in serenità, le storie hanno un inizio e una fine. Era giusto così, non è colpa di nessuno. Spero non sia un arrivederci”. Poi l’abbraccio commovente con un tifoso in lacrime🥹💙
📲 @francescoiucca #Lazio pic.twitter.com/hkKQD7UYsU
— calciomercato.it (@calciomercatoit) July 12, 2024
👑Ciro ‼️
4xcapicannoniere and record 36 goals
Nuff said
Standing by the side of the road giving an interview whilst heading off to biscuitas sums it all up.
The way Seria A treats Italian players is simply disgraceful!
VERGOGNATEVI SERIA A!