The 33-year-old forward, who joined Roma for the first time in 2016 and returned permanently in 2021 after a spell at Shanghai Shenhua, will leave as a free agent when his contract expires on June 30. He has made 346 appearances across his two spells at the club, scoring 65 goals and providing 50 assists.
"There are places that become home without you even realising it. And then, one day, you understand it was much more than that — it was people, emotions, life. For me, these 10 years have been all of this."
"I arrived here with dreams, ambitions and a strong desire to prove myself. I leave with a full heart. Full of memories, of shared battles, of immense joys, but also of difficult moments that have helped me grow, inside and outside the pitch. In this environment I found genuine affection, sincere respect and a sense of belonging that goes beyond football. I have always tried to honour this shirt in the most authentic way possible, giving my all, every single day, never holding back."
On wearing the captain's armband, an honour he received in his final seasons at the club.
"As time went by, the responsibilities grew, and wearing the captain's armband was much more than a role: it was an immense honour and one of the greatest expressions of respect I could have received."
He identified the international trophy — the Conference League won in 2022 under José Mourinho — as one of the moments that will remain with him.
"We have written important pages together, living emotions that will remain indelible, like the victory of an international trophy that united us even more and that I will always carry within me."
His final AS Roma home game at the Stadio Olimpico will be Sunday's derby against Lazio.
"The derby will be my last home game at the Olimpico. And there is no better match than this to show everything I have always looked for in this game: commitment, respect and dedication to this shirt, but above all, my gratitude."
Paulo Dybala wrote "Grande Faraone" in response. Former defender Aldair added: "There are players who make noise. And others who earn respect through work, silence and love for the team. Stephan in these years was this. Always ready, always correct, always at the service of Roma."