AS Roma have announced that captain Daniele De Rossi will leave the club at the end of the season.
The Italian will bring an end to an 18-year career at Roma in the final 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.
Club president Jim Pallotta said: “For 18 years, Daniele has been the beating heart of AS Roma. He has always embodied the Roma player and fan on the field with pride, establishing himself as one of the best midfielders in Europe, starting from his debut in 2001 until he assumed responsibility for the captain’s armband.
“We will all be moved when, against Parma, he wears the Giallorossi jersey for the last time and we respect the decision to continue his footballing career, even if, at almost 36, he will be away from Rome.
“On behalf of the whole company, I want to thank Daniele for the extraordinary efforts made for the club. The doors of Rome will always remain open to him with a new role at any time he will decide to return.”
The 2006 World Cup winner is due to hold a press conference in Roma on Tuesday afternoon.
