European Golden Boot Winner Who Stopped Messi's Streak and Went Viral at Euro 2020 for an Awkward Moment Announces Retirement

ITALY icon Ciro Immobile has brought the curtain down on his stunning career after announcing his shock retirement.

The striker, 36, only joined Paris FC from Bologna in the final hours of the winter transfer window earlier this year.

But has decided to hang up his boots instead of gearing himself up for another season in the French capital.

The lethal finisher fought back tears as he told his team-mates he would not be extending his deal at the Stade Jean-Bouin.

said: “I know this is a difficult moment for me because I am ending a big part of my life.

“I love this job with all my heart, but I have to be honest with myself and say what the situation is now.

“For me, now is the time to be more with my family. They have been with me everywhere. I needed them for 17 years, and now they need me.”

Immobile after notching a whopping 36 goals for Lazio in the 2019/20 season.

It ended Lionel Messi’s stunning three-year run of bagging the coveted award.

And Immobile, who found the net a sensational 201 times in Serie A, also played a key role in Italy by winning Euro 2020.

The marksman went viral during the tournament after in the quarter-final victory over Belgium before jumping up to celebrate Nicolo Barella’s strike.

Immobile also got his hands on silverware with Lazio, Borussia Dortmund and Besiktas during his club career.

The marksman – who was Serie A’s top scorer in four seasons – featured for the likes of , Genoa, Torino and Sevilla as well.

An emotional statement released by Paris FC read: “Ciro Immobile is a legend.

“After 650 matches, more than 320 goals and multiple trophies to his credit, is bringing an end to his remarkable career.

“An exceptional player who will have left his mark on several generations.”