After ten years, Stephan El Shaarawy will leave Roma. The Serie A club will not renew the player’s contract, who announced his departure through an emotional video posted on social media, accompanied by a long farewell message.
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A post shared by Stephan El Shaarawy (@stewel92)
The striker, known as the Pharaoh, revealed that the derby against Lazio will be his last home game at the Olympic Stadium. «There is no better game than this to show everything I have always sought in this sport: commitment, respect and dedication to this shirt, but, above all, my gratitude», he said.
In his message, the former Milan man reflected on his decade spent at the club, which was only interrupted between 2019 and 2020, when he represented Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua. «There are places that become our home without us realizing it», he began by writing. «For me, these 10 years were all of that. I arrived here with dreams, ambitions and a strong desire to assert myself. I leave with a full heart. Full of memories, of shared battles, of immense joys, but also of difficult moments that helped me grow, on and off the field».
The winger highlighted winning an international trophy, the UEFA Conference League with José Mourinho, as one of his most memorable moments. «We wrote important chapters together, experiencing emotions that will remain indelible, such as winning an international trophy that brought us even closer together and that I will always carry with me».
Wearing the captain’s armband was also an important milestone in his career at the club in the Italian capital. «Over time, the responsibilities increased, and wearing the captain’s armband was much more than a role: it was an immense honor and one of the greatest demonstrations of respect I could have received. A privilege that I will always keep in my heart».
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