Stephan El Shaarawy is bidding a heartfelt farewell to Roma. After a decade in the Italian capital, the beloved forward has announced his departure, leaving fans with an unforgettable line: "I'm leaving, but a part of me will stay here."
The 32-year-old, known as "Il Faraone" (The Pharaoh), confirmed the news through an emotional video on his Instagram profile. He will leave the Giallorossi as a free agent when the season concludes, closing a remarkable chapter that saw him wear the famous maroon and orange jersey 346 times, scoring 65 goals and providing 50 assists.
In his farewell message, El Shaarawy reflected on a journey that turned a young talent into a club icon. "There are places that become home without you even realizing it," he wrote. "And then, one day, you realize it was much more than that... it was people, emotions, life. For me, these 10 years have been all of that."
He arrived in Rome with dreams and a burning desire to prove himself. He leaves with a heart full of memories, shared battles, and moments of immense joy—along with the tough times that shaped him both on and off the pitch. "In this environment, I found genuine affection, sincere respect, and a sense of belonging that goes beyond football," he added. "I always tried to honor this shirt in the most authentic way possible, giving everything, every day, holding nothing back."
Among the highlights: winning an international trophy that brought the club and its fans closer together—a memory he says he will carry forever. As the years passed, his responsibilities grew, and wearing the captain's armband became "an immense honor and one of the greatest recognitions I could have received."
El Shaarawy acknowledged that this season has been challenging at times, but emphasized that it doesn't change who he is or what he has always given. The upcoming Derby della Capitale against Lazio will be his final home match at the Stadio Olimpico—a fitting stage to put everything on the line: commitment, respect, and dedication to the shirt.
"Thank you to the club, which gave me the opportunity to grow as a man and as a footballer. Thanks to my teammates, with whom I shared every emotion. Thanks to the coaching staff," he said, closing a story that began with promise and ends with legacy.
For Roma fans, El Shaarawy's departure marks the end of an era. But as he said himself, part of him will always remain in the Eternal City.