Ciro Immobile, the Italian striker, has retired from professional soccer immediately. The 36-year-old forward ended his contract with Paris FC by mutual agreement. He mentioned ongoing physical problems and wanting to spend more time with his family after a 17-year career.
Immobile leaves the sport as a very effective goal scorer, with 350 goals in 656 games across Italy, Germany, Spain, Turkey, and France. He scored 201 goals in Serie A, making him 8th on the all-time list. For Lazio, he scored 207 goals in 340 matches, becoming the club’s all-time top scorer and surpassing Silvio Piola. He also won four Serie A Golden Boots and matched Gonzalo Higuaín’s record of 36 goals in a single Serie A season, earning him Europe’s top scorer award.
Immobile told his Paris FC teammates and later stated that the daily physical toll and constant fitness issues led him to retire. He said it wasn’t an easy choice, but it was time to be with his family who always supported him. He also asked people not to be sad and mentioned having future plans.
Paris FC honored him on social media, calling him a legend of the game after his short time with the club.
