Stephan El Shaarawy has announced his upcoming exit from Roma with a heartfelt video on social media.
El Shaarawy is out of contract at the end of the season and it will mark the end of his second spell with Roma, which began in January 2021.
The Italian winger originally played for the club between January 2016 and June 2019, making an instant impact after joining on loan from AC Milan.
Across his two spells with the club, which were separated by an 18-month interlude in China, El Shaarawy has amassed 346 appearances, 65 goals and 50 assists.
El Shaarawy was part of the Roma squad that won the 2021-22 Europa Conference League, contributing four goals along the way.
He captained Roma at the start of his final season by virtue of having the most appearances for the club within the current squad, although he was subsequently overtaken.
It has now been confirmed that El Shaarawy will be leaving Roma at the end of the season, meaning he has a maximum of two games left for the club.
His farewell message was as follows:
There are places that become home without you even realising it. And then, one day, you realise it was so much more… they were people, emotions, life.
For me, these 10 years have been all of that.
I arrived here with dreams, ambitions, and a burning desire to prove myself. I’m leaving with a full heart. Full of memories, shared battles, immense joys but also tough moments that made me grow, on and off the field.
In this environment, I found genuine affection, sincere respect, and a sense of belonging that goes beyond football. I’ve always tried to honour this jersey in the most authentic way possible, giving my all, every single day, without ever holding back.
Together, we’ve written important chapters, living emotions that will remain indelible, like the victory of an international trophy that brought us even closer and that I’ll always carry inside me.
Over time, responsibilities grew, and wearing the captain’s armband was so much more than a role: it was an immense honour and one of the greatest marks of respect I could receive. A privilege I’ll always carry in my heart.
Like all stories, this one had a beginning, and today it draws near to its end. It’s been a special season, partly difficult, but that’s part of football, and it doesn’t change who I am or what I’ve always given.
The derby will be my last home game at the Olimpico. And there’s no better match than this to put on the field everything I’ve always sought in this game: commitment, respect, and dedication to this jersey, but above all, my gratitude.
Thanks to the club, which gave me the opportunity to grow as a man and as a player.
Thanks to my teammates, with whom I shared every emotion.
Thanks to the staff, for the work and daily support.
And a special thanks to you fans… because you made me feel like one of you, always.
I’m leaving, but a part of me will stay here. Because some stories don’t really end; they just change form.
I’ll be forever grateful to this club and above all to this city that gave me so much.
Thanks Roma.
With affection, Stephan
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