Lazio Legend Ciro Immobile Announces Retirement: ‘Don’t Be Sad for Me’

FolioPitch.com – 16 August 2026 | Lazio fans are in mourning as the club’s all-time leading scorer, Ciro Immobile, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 36.

Immobile, who has been instrumental in Lazio’s success over the years, has decided to hang up his boots after a brief spell at Paris FC.

With 350 goals to his name, the Neapolitan striker has cemented himself as one of the deadliest hitmen in his generation. He has represented a host of clubs, including Salernitana, Juventus, Torino, Borussia Dortmund, and Sevilla, but it was at Lazio that he truly found his home.

Immobile spent eight unforgettable years at the Stadio Olimpico, leading the club to new heights under Claudio Lotito‘s leadership. He left Lazio as the club’s all-time goal-scorer with 207 goals in 344 appearances.

During his time at Lazio, Immobile lifted a Coppa Italia trophy and two Italian Super Cups, while adding three Capocannoniere awards, a European Golden Boot, and a Serie A Player of the Year Award in 2020.

In a heartfelt message to his teammates, Immobile explained that he had made the difficult decision to retire due to a combination of factors, including his advancing age and a desire to spend more time with his family.

‘This is a difficult moment for me because it’s the end of a great journey, a part of my life,’ Immobile said. ‘I love football with all my heart, but I want to be honest with myself about the current situation.’

Immobile’s decision to retire has sent shockwaves throughout the football community, with fans and fellow players paying tribute to his incredible career.

‘Ciro Immobile is a legend,’ Paris FC wrote on social media. ‘After 650 games, more than 320 goals, and multiple trophies to his name, Ciro Immobile has decided to bring an end to his illustrious career.’

As Immobile bid farewell to the sport, he thanked his teammates and coaches for their support and encouragement throughout his career.

‘I wish you all the best,’ Immobile said. ‘I’ll come back to Paris to watch your games because I love you all so much. Don’t be sad for me because I’m happy to be with my family and to start thinking about new projects for my future.’

Immobile’s legacy will live on at Lazio, where he remains an iconic figure and a beloved member of the club’s family.

In conclusion, Ciro Immobile’s retirement marks the end of an era for Lazio and the football world at large. His incredible career will be remembered for generations to come, and his legacy will continue to inspire and motivate young players for years to come.