Fabio Borini has brought a 16-year playing career to an end, closing a journey that took him from Chelsea’s youth set-up in London to Serie A with Roma and Milan, and most recently to Salford.
The former Italy forward announced his retirement in an emotional message on social media, reflecting on the uncertainty and ambition that accompanied him when he left for London as a 16-year-old.
Borini recalled a flight spent in tears, describing it as the beginning of a career for which he had dreams but no clear map. He said that, from that point, he began to shape both himself and the ambitions he carried with him, eventually turning those hopes into his professional reality.
A career shaped by belief
The 34-year-old said retirement would alter a reality that had defined his past, present and future. Yet he compared the moment to that early flight to London, with the same mixture of anticipation over what comes next.
“Fear, happiness, courage, uncertainty, dreams, success, passion and sacrifice,” Borini wrote, listing the emotions surrounding his decision. He thanked the boy who continued to believe in the possibility of a career and said he would carry that belief into his next opportunity, even without a ball at his feet.
“Thank you. Thank you, football,” was his final message.
Serie A chapters and Sunderland connection
Borini’s career included significant Italian chapters at Roma and Milan, while his time in England also left a particularly strong connection with Sunderland.
The Black Cats offered the warmest response to his announcement. Borini made 93 appearances for Sunderland, scoring 17 goals and providing five assists during his spell at the club.
His departure from the game follows the end of his time with Salford, drawing a line under a career that crossed several clubs and brought messages from former team-mates and friends after his announcement.
