Official: Tavano joins Avellino

Empoli have sold 36-year-old striker Francesco Tavano to Serie B side Avellino.

‘Ciccio’ Tavano spent two different periods of his career at the Stadio Castellani, from 2002 to 2006 and returning in 2011.

He scored a club record 120 goals in 310 games for the Tuscans.

“I never thought this moment would come,” he wrote in an open letter to fans.

“A thousand emotions, a thousand memories and a thousand faces tie me to Empoli and it will always be my home. This jersey will always be my second skin.

Empoli have sold 36-year-old striker Francesco Tavano to Serie B side Avellino.

‘Ciccio’ Tavano spent two different periods of his career at the Stadio Castellani, from 2002 to 2006 and returning in 2011.

He scored a club record 120 goals in 310 games for the Tuscans.

“I never thought this moment would come,” he wrote in an open letter to fans.

“A thousand emotions, a thousand memories and a thousand faces tie me to Empoli and it will always be my home. This jersey will always be my second skin.

“I thought about it long and hard over the last few days. This is a love that will never end and I’ll always feel like one of those lads in the Curva Maratona who showed me so much affection.

“After last season I was ready to begin again with renewed enthusiasm, diving heart and soul into the new campaign, then this offer arrived from Avellino and all my doubts began. On the one side a new adventure with new motivation and challenges, on the other the love of a lifetime.

“I took me days and days and I ruined my vacation by thinking only of this decision. At the end of the day, I realised at this stage of my career it’s important to have a new adventure.

“I want to thank everyone and I know that with many people it’s not a goodbye, but a see you soon. I am fired up for this new challenge, but with my heart and mind always on Empoli.

“Ciccio.”