Ciro Immobile recorded a long video marking his farewell to Lazio for the move to Besiktas, promising ‘this is not goodbye, but arrivederci. It will always be my home.’
The striker spent eight years at the club, scoring a record 207 goals in 340 competitive games and wearing the captain’s armband.
With his status as their all-time top scorer secure, the title given to the Immobile video on their social media channels was fittingly: ‘The King’s Speech.’
“Dear Lazio friends, we chose this location because this is where it all started, this was my spot in the locker room where we built our victories and our joy. Right from here,” said Immobile in the training ground.
“I am surrounded by so many emotions within me and I think the last two or three days, having to reach such a difficult decision, was not the best for me.
“At the end, I spoke to the President and the club, I think my decision was accepted due to the journey I had here. As with all things, there is a beginning and an end, even if this was a wonderful adventure.
“Life sometimes takes you to make other choices, I thought this was the right thing to do. I thank everyone: President, directors, coaches. Above all my teammates who allowed me to become what I am at this club.
“The biggest thank you and embrace goes to all the fans, the Laziali who made me feel like I was at home from the first day. We had an incredible journey over these eight years.
“Rome became my second home and that of my family. I would’ve loved to hug you each one by one, but in the transfer market things move fast and we need to make decisions even when the timing is not exceptional.
“It is only right that we look forward, try a new experience. We will remain bonded for life to this jersey, this club and these people who so loved and appreciated us.
“I was able to see the new players, talk to my old teammates. I saw everyone super fired up.”
Immobile reminded everyone he arrived in the chaos of 2016, when Marcelo Bielsa had signed on as coach and then promptly changed his mind even before pre-season training had kicked off.
“A sense of uncertainty is normal when first arriving, but I arrived during the problem with Bielsa. We got back on track and made history for Lazio in recent years.
“I saw similarities, when there is such a big revolution I think the team, club and everyone must be able to rely on the affection of the fans. It helps these young lads, who are ready for such a difficult season.”
There have already been protests against the arrival of new coach Marco Baroni, as this and the departure of top stars implies they are downgrading their ambitions.
“I also spoke to the coach, he accepted my decision, though he would’ve liked to work with me, he accepted what I decided with my family,” added Immobile.
“Let us stay close to them, you have an important campaign to face, and I will be cheering you on. There’s no point recapping everything we experienced together, I’ve seen videos and read letters for three days. The affection you showed me in these days, but not just then.
“I think the moment has come to say not goodbye, but arrivederci. This will always remain my home. I want to send you a huge hug, from me and (Immobile’s wife) Jessica. She too was an integral part of the Lazio family.
“I will cheer you on. I am a Lazio fan. I send hugs and hope to see you soon.”