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Italian striker Ciro Immobile has officially retired from professional football at the age of 36, ending a career defined by prolific scoring and a tenure at Lazio. According to reports from AFP and Sportnet, Immobile reached the decision to step away from the sport while under contract with Paris FC, citing the physical toll of recurring injuries and a desire to prioritize his family.
The Final Decision at Paris FC
Immobile’s transition into retirement follows a difficult final season with French club Paris FC. Although his contract was slated to run until June 2027, persistent physical challenges made it impossible to maintain the high standards he set for himself. According to Sportnet, the striker managed only 12 appearances, recording two goals and two assists during his time in France.
In a candid announcement to his teammates, Immobile described the difficulty of walking away from a profession he loved. “If I can no longer push myself because of the pain when I train, if I cannot give my best, it is difficult,” Immobile stated via AFP. He emphasized that after 17 years of his family following his career across Europe, he reached a point where he needed to be present for them.
Did you know?
Ciro Immobile is one of the most prolific strikers in Serie A history, finishing his career with 201 goals in the Italian top flight, placing him 8th on the all-time scoring list.
A Legacy of Scoring in Serie A
Immobile’s professional journey began in the 2008/09 season with Juventus. However, his rise to prominence truly started during the 2011/12 season at Pescara. His clinical finishing eventually led him to Lazio, where he spent eight years. During his 340 official appearances for the Roman club, he netted 207 goals, establishing himself as the highest-scoring player in the history of Lazio, as noted by Sportnet.
The striker’s competitive peak occurred during the 2019/20 season, when he secured the European Golden Shoe. Immobile scored 36 goals in Serie A that year, outperforming Cristiano Ronaldo, who finished the campaign with 31 goals. Throughout his career, Immobile earned the title of Serie A’s top scorer on four separate occasions.
International Impact and Club Statistics
Beyond his domestic success, Immobile was a key figure for the Italian national team. He earned 57 caps for the Azzurri and was a vital part of the squad that won UEFA EURO 2020. Across his entire club career, he recorded a total of 350 goals in 656 matches.
His path included stops at several clubs, including Genoa, Torino, Borussia Dortmund, Sevilla, Besiktas, and Bologna. While his stints in Germany and Spain were less productive than his time in Italy, his consistency upon returning to Serie A in 2016 solidified his reputation as one of the reliable strikers of his generation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ciro Immobile retire early?
Immobile retired at 36 primarily due to recurring injuries and the physical pain he experienced during training, which prevented him from performing at his required level.
How many goals did Immobile score in his career?
According to Sportnet, Immobile scored 350 goals in 656 club matches, including 201 goals in Serie A.
Did Ciro Immobile win any international trophies?
Yes, he was a member of the Italian national team that won the EURO 2020 title.
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