Çelik bids farewell to Roma after contract dispute
Transfer News·16 July 2026·1h ago

Çelik bids farewell to Roma after contract dispute

Source: Il Romanista

Zeki Çelik has departed AS Roma following a contract renewal breakdown, announcing his exit on social media. The Turkish defender, who joined Roma under José Mourinho, shared a lengthy farewell message thanking the club, city, and supporters. Çelik reflected on his time in the Giallorossi shirt, saying: "Cari Romanisti, today, in saying goodbye to this great family, I feel emotions difficult to describe. Wearing Roma's shirt, fighting for these colours and taking the field in front of you has been an immense honour and great pride for me. Every day spent at this club helped me grow, both as a player and as a person. We lived unforgettable moments together. I will always carry with me the pride of having contributed to bringing Roma back to the UEFA Champions League."

Çelik extended special thanks to former managers José Mourinho, Daniele De Rossi, Ivan Jurić, and Claudio Ranieri for their support and belief in him. He also acknowledged current head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, noting that despite their brief time together, the trust, honesty and respect Gasperini showed him had been deeply meaningful. "Now the moment has arrived to begin a new chapter of my career," Çelik stated. "But I will always carry this club, this city and all of you in my heart. I wish Roma to continue achieving all the success it deserves. Thank you with all my heart for everything."

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Story Coverage2 sources on this story

Zeki Çelik has departed AS Roma following a contract renewal breakdown, announcing his exit through an emotional social media message. The Turkish defender, who arrived under José Mourinho, thanked the club, city, and supporters for his time in the Giallorossi shirt. Çelik expressed pride in contributing to Roma's return to the UEFA Champions League and reflected on his growth both as a player and person during his tenure. He extended special gratitude to former managers Mourinho, Daniele De Rossi, Ivan Jurić, and Claudio Ranieri for their support and belief in him, while also acknowledging current head coach Gian Piero Gasperini for the trust and respect shown during their brief time together. Roma News indicates Çelik has joined Juventus, though Il Romanista's coverage does not confirm his destination. Both outlets quote Çelik's commitment to carry Roma and the city in his heart as he begins this new chapter of his career.

AI synthesis of all sources below — always check the originals.

Testo Originale / Source Text

Dopo il clamoroso colpo di scena sul rinnovo di contratto, Zeki Celik ha già salutato la Roma sui social. Di seguito il saluto del calciatore turco ai tifosi giallorossi: "Cari Romanisti, oggi, nel salutare questa grande famiglia, provo emozioni difficili da descrivere. Indossare la maglia della…

Read the full article in Italian at Il Romanista.

Read original on Il Romanista

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