After a decade that saw him become one of the most cherished figures in the Giallorossi's recent history, Stephan El Shaarawy has confirmed he will leave Roma when his contract expires on June 30. With just two matches remaining—a heated derby against Lazio and a final-day trip to Verona—the winger is set to depart the Italian capital as a free agent, closing a memorable chapter for both player and club.
El Shaarawy first arrived at Roma in January 2016, following a stint at Monaco, after making a name for himself as one of Serie A's most electrifying young wingers at Milan. He left for Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua in the summer of 2019 but returned in January 2021, becoming a consistent presence in the squad ever since. Across his two spells in Rome, the Italian international of Egyptian descent made 346 appearances, tallying 65 goals and 50 assists. The crowning moment of his time at the Stadio Olimpico came in the 2021/22 season, when Roma won the UEFA Conference League under José Mourinho—the club's first European trophy in 61 years.
His departure had been anticipated for some time, with reports suggesting coach Gian Piero Gasperini had pushed for contract renewals for El Shaarawy and three other out-of-contract players earlier this month. The winger's announcement indicates those efforts fell short, marking the end of an era for a player who, through his skill and loyalty, became a fan favorite in Rome. As he prepares for his final appearances in Giallorossi colors, supporters will undoubtedly cherish the memories of a player who gave his all for the badge.
