Simone Inzaghi has said goodbye to Lazio fans after ‘22 splendid years as player and coach,’ having accepted the Inter job.

“With the strongest emotion, I wish to inform you that from June 30 my marvellous adventure with Lazio will conclude,” he told news agency ANSA.

“I thank the club, the President, the players and fans who accompanied me in these splendid 22 years as player and coach.

“We fought and won together. These colours will always remain in my heart: the Biancocelesti will forever be part of my soul.”

Inzaghi gave the statement to the news agency, because Lazio’s announcement of his departure did not even mention the coach by name.

The tactician began as a coach in their youth academy, taking them to the Coppa Italia triumph and two editions of the Supercoppa Italiana.

He had been due to sign an extension last night, but Inter doubled the wages on offer and he will be announced tomorrow.

Inzaghi does not have a social media account, but his son Tommaso does, and it was inundated with insults from Aquile fans.

“My father loves Lazio and will always love Lazio,” wrote the teenager.

“I am writing this for those people who are writing to me and daring to say certain things, which usually I would ignore.

“He stayed with you even when nobody else would’ve remained. He won for you when nobody else could’ve won.

“Many love stories don’t end the way they ought to, but the sentiment felt for 20 years remains and will remain forever.”

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