Immobile: ‘One of the most difficult days of my career’

Ciro Immobile has described his move away from Lazio as ‘one of the most difficult days’ of his career in a long farewell message following the confirmation of his permanent transfer to Besiktas. 

The 34-year-old has signed a two-year deal in Istanbul, running until the summer of 2026, which will earn him a salary of €6m per season. 

Immobile had spent eight years at the Stadio Olimpico, originally signing from Sevilla back in 2016, before going on to net a whopping 207 goals in all competitions for the Biancocelesti. 

Immobile promised that wherever he goes, he will always feel part of the Lazio family, and promises to support the players for many years into the future. 

Immobile says goodbye to Lazio after eight years

“Today is one of the most difficult days of my career,” Immobile told Lazio supporters in a long message on Instagram.  

“After years of emotion, victories, defeats, sacrifices and shared joys, the time has come to say goodbye. This is a speech I never wanted to make, but life leads us to make decisions that, though painful, have to be made.

“When I first came here, young and full of dreams, I could never have imagined how deep the bond with this shirt, with this city and most of all, with you would have become. You were our twelfth man on the pitch, the force that pushed us to overcome the most difficult obstacles and to achieve the most beautiful of victories. 

“I still remember the first time I wore this shirt. My heart was beating so fast, hoping to make you proud. Since then, every game, every training session, every moment spent on the pitch has been dedicated to you, because I know how much it meant to you. 

“We have shared unforgettable moments: Hard-earned victories, last minute goals, glorious nights as well as tears after defeats. In every single moment, I felt your unconditional affection and support. And for that, I’m eternally grateful. 

“I will always carry your chants, your applause and the warmth you showed me in every match in my heart. You made me feel at home, you made it feel like one big family. And for this, there will never be enough time to tell you how much I thank you. 

“I bid you farewell with the promise that, wherever life takes me, a part of me will always be here with you, in the stands, cheering for this team. I will always carry you in my heart, like the most precious of treasures. 

“Thank you for everything. It was an honour and a privilege to be your captain.” 

Immobile and Besiktas will get their 2024-25 Turkish Super Lig campaign underway on August 11, when they are due to play Samsunspor away at the 19 Mayis Stadium in Tekkeköy.