Tuesday 14 May 2019 15:18, UK
AS Roma have announced that captain Daniele De Rossi will leave the club at the end of the season.
The former Italy international midfielder will bring an end to an 18-year career at Roma in the final Serie A match of the season against Parma on May 26.
Only Francesco Totti has played more matches in a Roma shirt than De Rossi, who will add to his 615 appearances before the season finishes.
The 2006 World Cup winner said at a press conference: "Roma and I chose each other. There is a lot of love between us, both now and in the future - even if it will be in another form.
"Don't bet against seeing me in with the fans at a few away games, having a sandwich and a beer and cheering on my friends.
"I realised the decision the club was going to take regarding myself. I'm almost 36 and I know how football is, but I didn't want to distract from our European race.
"I thank the directors for their offer - I respect it and appreciate it, but I still feel like a player.
"Eventually I would like to be a coach. At this point, I don't see myself becoming a director, but at Roma a role like that would have some meaning. I need to go away and study, to learn - it will be a long journey."