Daniele De Rossi to leave Roma, 18 years after debut

De Rossi will not be calling time on his playing career just yet

Daniele De Rossi is to leave AS Roma, the club have announced. The legendary midfielder, who made his debut for the Giallorossi as a teenager 18 years ago, will play his final game for the club when they host Parma at Stadio Olimpico this weekend. The 35-year-old 's contract in Rome expires in the summer, though De Rossi will not follow Francesco Totti in retiring as a one-club man. https://twitter.com/ASRomaEN/status/1128187158689452037 'De Rossi will not be retiring from professional football at the end of the current season,' Roma's statement confirmed. 'The 35-year-old plans to pursue a new adventure away from Rome. 'As well as his record-breaking Roma exploits, De Rossi has also enjoyed a brilliant international career. 'He remains the fourth-most capped player in Italy history, with 117 appearances, and represented the Azzurri at eight major international tournaments – famously lifting the World Cup, alongside Roma teammates Totti and Simone Perrotta, in 2006.' It is not yet clear where De Rossi intends to move in the summer, but it is clear he leaves Roma as one of their all-time greats. In total he has made over 600 appearances, winning the Serie A title  in 2001  and two Coppa Italia  titles. "For 18 years, Daniele has been the beating heart of AS Roma’s team," club president Jim Pallotta said on the club's official website. "From his debut in 2001 to taking on the responsibility of the captain’s armband, he always represented the Roma fans on the pitch with pride as he established himself as one of the best midfielders in Europe. "We will all shed tears when he pulls on the Giallorossi shirt for the last time against Parma but we respect his desire to prolong his playing career - even if, at almost 36, it will be away from Rome. "On behalf of everyone at Roma, I’d like to thank Daniele for his incredible dedication to this club and ensure him that our doors will remain open for him to return to the club in a new role whenever he wants."