[Official] Immobile Chooses To Leave Lazio After 8 Years To Join Besiktas This Summer

Ciro Immobile has officially transferred to Turkish club Besiktas this summer. The striker's departure from Lazio was marked by emotional scenes at the airport, including a tearful hug with a fan.

Immobile's transfer was finalized on Friday evening (12/07) local time, with the 34-year-old signing a two-year contract. The announcement was made on Besiktas's official website.

Captured on camera at the airport en route to Türkiye, Immobile reflected on his departure.

"It has been a wonderful eight years with Lazio, a fantastic journey with a beginning and an end," Immobile shared with Sky Sport Italia. "The fans have been incredible, giving me everything."

When asked about any regrets regarding the end of his Biancoceleste career, Immobile responded, "No, this was a calm decision. The past year and a half was difficult, and it was time for this to happen. It's no one's fault.

"The key is to stay calm when making such decisions. I apologize to my family for disrupting our stability in Rome. When the Besiktas offer came, I discussed it with my wife and the club president.

"I left Lazio with a great coach, and I appreciated Marco Baroni's tactics. It's a young team with a lot of hunger, and I will support them from Türkiye."

When asked about the possibility of returning to The Aquile in a different role, similar to Igli Tare's former position as sporting director, Immobile said, "We'll see. I still wanted to play, but this opportunity came, and I took it."

Joining Lazio from Sevilla in 2016, Immobile scored 207 goals, becoming the club's all-time top scorer. During his time at Lazio, he won the Italian Cup and Italian Super Cup twice.