Euro 2020 winner Ciro Immobile retires at 36

Ciro Immobile, a celebrated striker and a vital member of Italy's Euro 2020-winning squad, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 36. In a video message shared on Friday, Immobile addressed his teammates at his current club, Paris FC, expressing the difficulty of the decision.

"It's a very difficult moment for me because it's the end of one of the greatest periods of my life," Immobile stated. "I loved this job with all my heart, but I want to be honest with myself about the current situation." He elaborated on his physical condition, saying, "If I can no longer keep pushing when I’m in pain, when I’m training, if I can’t give my best, it’s hard."

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It’s a very difficult moment for me because it’s the end of one of the greatest periods of my life. I loved this job with all my heart, but I want to be honest with myself about the current situation.

Immobile also emphasized the importance of family in his decision. "It’s not an easy decision because you are incredible guys, a great family… but for me it’s time to spend time with my family. They followed me everywhere, I needed them for 17 years, and today they need me," he explained.

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If I can no longer keep pushing when I’m in pain, when I’m training, if I can’t give my best, it’s hard.

Throughout his career, Immobile was a prolific goalscorer, netting 350 goals in 656 matches for various clubs. He achieved legendary status at Lazio, scoring 207 goals in 340 appearances between 2016 and 2024, becoming the club's all-time leading scorer. His international career included 57 caps for Italy, and he was part of the Azzurri team that defeated England in a penalty shootout to win Euro 2020, a tournament delayed until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Immobile's recent move was to Paris FC in February, joining the French Ligue 1 club after a serious thigh injury sidelined him in Italy. He signed a contract running until the end of the season with an option for an additional year. However, he managed only two league goals for the newly promoted team, which is owned by the LVMH luxury brands family.

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It’s not an easy decision because you are incredible guys, a great family… but for me it’s time to spend time with my family. They followed me everywhere, I needed them for 17 years, and today they need me.