Romanian defender Stefan Radu officially retired from professional football in Sunday’s Serie A match between Lazio and Cremonese after 15 years in Italy.

Stefan Radu, a confession of love for Lazio fans

The footballer has been playing for Lazio since January 2008 and is the player with the most number of matches in the history of the Italian capital club: 427.

The Romanian defender was a substitute against Cremonese at the Stadio Olimpico but was brought on by Maurizio Sarri in the 91st minute when he replaced Mattia Dzaccagni.

After 60,000 Lazio fans chanted his name and hung a banner in his honour, Stefan Radu responded with an emotional letter.

“Lazio fans, thank you all for being here on this very important day for me.

I spent more than 15 years with you. I say “with you” because on the pitch, when I came out, I had the same soul as you: the soul of a Lazio fan.

With this shirt I have lived my life as a footballer, in this stadium I have experienced unique moments, difficult days and great joy, just like all of you. “Lazio” is a family, and this land is like home for me. Thank you because in winning and even when I was not winning, I never felt alone. We always went on this journey together.

I am sure that my love for biancocelesti colors will never end. It will give me the strength to move forward in life with the same determination I always had on the field.

I sincerely thank President Lotito and the club for allowing me to fulfill this great dream: to be able to say goodbye to football in this shirt. You took me in when I was a boy. I grew here as a person and as a football player.

I thank my wife Alexandra and my children Edoardo and Alessia for never letting me feel their support and love.

Thanks to all my teammates and coaching staff over the years who have recognized my important role on the field and in the locker room.

It is a great honor for me, and before that, a great responsibility.

When I put on the biancoceleste shirt, I did it with all my heart and passion. Now I know what it means to be one of you. I know what it means to be part of the big Lazio family. And be tied to her forever.

You can stop playing football, but you can’t stop being a climber!

Thank you all, the boss loves you!”, handed over by Stefan Radureports News.ro.