Winning the Golden Boy award signifies immense talent, but while Mario Balotelli squandered his, 30-year-old Ciro Immobile quietly outshined his peers, including Balotelli. Balotelli, now playing outside the top leagues, contrasts sharply with Immobile, who, despite being let go by Juventus, proved himself through hard work, winning the Serie A Golden Boot four times and becoming Lazio’s all-time top scorer. As Lazio’s sporting director aptly put it, “He is an indispensable part of Lazio.”
This summer marked a bittersweet farewell as Immobile left Lazio after eight years of loyal service.
The End of an Era
In a league where veteran players often thrive, not everyone can overcome the challenges of age. Last season, Immobile averaged only 54 minutes per game in Serie A, scoring just seven league goals. While loyalty is deeply valued, the competitive world of sports demands results. Immobile acknowledged his departure, saying, “Lazio is a young team full of desire,” implying his willingness to pave the way for the club’s future rebuild. This is a testament to his love and loyalty in a different form.
Turning Down Tempting Offers
Last summer, Immobile nearly parted ways with Lazio when a Saudi club offered him a €35 million annual salary. However, Lazio’s president demanded a €50 million transfer fee, and Immobile didn’t strongly desire to leave. Times change, and as Immobile noted, “Great love stories have their specific endings.” Not every tale of loyalty needs the extreme conclusion of “one club, one city.” Like De Rossi with Roma, Immobile’s departure doesn’t tarnish his relationship with Lazio; it merely shifts to a new perspective.
A Remarkable, Yet Understated Career
Immobile fits the mold of an understated sharpshooter. Despite winning the European Golden Boot, he often pales in comparison to Italian legends like Vieri, Inzaghi, Totti, and Del Piero. Though not a disgrace, the high expectations during Italy’s lean years sometimes overshadowed his achievements. Fans may recall his struggles in the Champions League against Bayern Munich, where missed opportunities led to criticism and insults from Lazio supporters. “Everything was fine before, but now Immobile is old” became a common refrain.
Memorable Moments
In time, Lazio fans will fondly remember his contributions. In 2017, Immobile ended Lazio’s 14-match winless streak against Juventus and scored a hat-trick against AC Milan, earning the title of “giant slayer.” However, his consistent performances against teams like SPAL and Genoa prove his impartial prowess. In the 2019-20 season, he equaled the Serie A single-season scoring record and became Lazio’s all-time top scorer in 2021-22. Notably, he scored the winning goal in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 against Bayern Munich last season, proving his enduring value.
A Storied Career
Immobile’s Serie A career boasts 353 appearances and 201 goals. Without injuries starting in 2022, he might have continued to shine. Chasing Milan legend Nordahl’s record of five Serie A Golden Boots was his next goal. Although he missed this opportunity, few have won the Golden Boot four times. Future players will regard Immobile, despite his seemingly average abilities, as a benchmark.
Recognition from Peers and Coaches
His impact is best understood by those who worked with him. Former Lazio coach Simone Inzaghi called him “our leader,” and Sarri once said, “Questioning Immobile is like questioning Haaland.” While these might be biased views, Lazio has yet to find an adequate replacement in the past eight years, proving Immobile’s exceptional goal-scoring talent.
The Next Chapter
At 34, leaving familiar Serie A might seem unwise. Former Serie A Golden Boot winners Icardi and Dzeko found success in Turkey, but Immobile’s past international stints were less fortunate. He struggled at Dortmund and Sevilla, scoring only a handful of goals and clashing with coaches Klopp and Emery. Labeled as having a “bad temper, little ability,” he revived his career upon returning to Serie A, though some still mocked him as a “greenhouse flower.” As he joins Beşiktaş, concerns arise about repeating past failures, especially with a €6 million annual salary.
A Beloved Figure
Three years ago, Immobile was voted Lazio’s most popular and best player in 60 years. Facing the relentless march of time, he now seeks to end his career on a high note by “going out.” This reflects a desire for a satisfying conclusion and a proactive challenge. While some may see it as a daunting task, Immobile’s optimism and readiness to embrace his choice shine through.
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