Daniele De Rossi has announced that he will depart his hometown club at the end of this season after an 18-year career with A.S. Roma.
โThe fact that my contract wouldnโt have been renewed was announced to me yesterday, but Iโm 36 this season and Iโm not stupid,โ explained De Rossi at his press conference this morning. โI live in the world of football: if no-one calls you to discuss a new contract, thatโs the direction taken.โ
The Rome native showed no signs of retiring just yet, saying โThereโs a great deal of mutual respect, but the feeling on my part was that I could go on as a footballer.โ
Joining A.S. Roma in 2000 and then being promoted to the senior team in 2001, De Rossi went on to make 615 appearances, the second-most in club history only behind Francesco Totti.
De Rossi has won two Coppa Italia trophies with Roma along with one Supercoppa.
โFor 18 years, Daniele has been the beating heart of AS Romaโs team,โ club president Jim Pallotta said.
De Rossiโs final home match at the Stadio Olimpico will be on Sunday, May 26 against Parma.
