After a season in which our results didn’t allow us to add any new trophies to the Stamford Bridge trophy cabinet, the time came to pack my bags once again—to seek out new challenges. It was in this context that an offer arrived from Italy. I landed in Rome with my luggage overflowing with excitement, arriving in a city where every corner evokes a historic feat. I was eager to contribute my experience and everything I had to offer as a footballer toward Roma’s goals, but after one season, fate steered me in an unexpected direction.
Following a pre-season filled with uncertainty, an opportunity arose to sign with SS Lazio, and I didn’t think twice. In a place where no one expected it, I found a new home—a move that broke with tradition and stirred up the entire city. Crossing the Tiber to wear the sky-blue jersey felt almost like a forbidden act, yet I did so with complete calm, convinced it was the best choice. Time—and my goals—proved me right; my first goal for the Biancocelesti came at the Stadio Olimpico during a fiery derby against Roma, the very club I had left just weeks earlier.
Through hard work and great effort, I set out from the start to prove that I had much to contribute to this historic crest. I succeeded, and what followed were five wonderful seasons in which I gave SS Lazio the very best of the final stage of my career. The goals kept coming, and there were some truly great moments across Serie A, the Coppa Italia, the Champions League, and the Europa League. It was an unforgettable chapter, during which I felt a deep connection to the club’s philosophy and the spirit of its unique fanbase.
I played my final professional match at the Stadio Olimpico—a Serie A game against Pisa—where I was fortunate enough to score one of the two goals that secured our victory. My only regret is that I wasn’t able to bring a trophy to the cabinet of what I now consider my home. However, I am certain that, very soon, significant achievements will once again be celebrated at this truly great club. Grazie di cuore a tutti.
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