(ANSA) - Rome, May 14 - AS Roma legend Daniele De Rossi is set to leave the only side he has ever played for and join a foreign club next season, the Serie A team announced on Tuesday. The former Italy midfielder, a born-and-bred Roman, has made 615 appearances and scored 63 goals for Roma, putting him second on its list of all-time leading appearance-makers behind another club legend - Francesco Totti. The 35-year-old took over the club captaincy when Totti retired in 2017. He helped Roma win the Italian Cup in 2007 and 2008 and he was part of Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning squad. His final game for Roma will be their last Serie A game of the season against Parma on May 26. "For 18 years, Daniele has been the beating heart of AS Roma's team," said Roma Chairman Jim Pallotta. "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".
