Leonardo Balerdi has said goodbye to Marseille with an emotional letter following his summer move to Roma.
The Argentine defender spent six years in France, developing from an inexperienced 21-year-old into the captain of Olympique de Marseille. He made 200 appearances for the club before accepting a new challenge in the Italian capital.
“This message is for all the people of Marseille,” Balerdi wrote on social media. “Sooner or later, this day had to come. I took a few days because it was not easy for me.”
“I am writing these words with a lump in my throat, a feeling that is difficult to express. I am leaving my home, a special place that will remain in my heart for the rest of my life.”
Balerdi reflects on his growth at Marseille
Balerdi joined Marseille from Borussia Dortmund in 2020, initially on loan, having made only a limited number of senior appearances.
The defender explained how the club helped him develop before eventually giving him the responsibility of wearing the captain’s armband.
“It is a place that opened its doors to me and watched me grow over the years,” he continued. “From that 21-year-old who had only played a few professional matches to the day when I had the fortune and pride of becoming captain of this great institution and wearing a shirt that is so special to me 200 times.”
“Marseille is a unique city. Sometimes it makes you fly until you touch the sky, and other times it makes you feel exactly the opposite.”
“Everything was not always perfect, but that is also what makes this place special and makes you feel alive.”
Balerdi joined Roma on an initial loan containing an option to buy, becoming one of the defensive additions examined in our complete breakdown of Roma’s summer transfer window.
Balerdi thanks Marseille supporters
The 27-year-old reserved a particularly warm message for Marseille’s supporters and the atmosphere they created at the Stade Vélodrome.
“I have only words of gratitude for the supporters,” Balerdi wrote. “You are a unique fanbase that never stops encouraging the team and pushes us never to give up.”
“You are always beside the club, sometimes putting your private lives aside for this great institution, and you make the Vélodrome one of the most legendary stadiums in the world.”
He also thanked the people who helped him throughout his time in France.
“I would also like to thank everyone with whom I shared this adventure from the first day: the directors, staff, teammates and employees.”
“Many of them work in the shadows, but they are incredible professionals and, above all, extraordinary people. Thank you for helping me grow and improve, and for being there during both the good and difficult moments.”
Balerdi leaves Marseille without regrets
Balerdi concluded his farewell by insisting that he leaves Marseille knowing he gave everything to the club.
“I leave at peace, certain that I gave everything—until the final drop of sweat, physically and mentally—for this club that I love so much.”
“I gave everything, just as you do every weekend and as every person from Marseille does in everyday life.”
The Argentine has already made his Roma debut and came off the bench during the 1-1 Champions League draw with Fenerbahçe.
Balerdi will now attempt to establish himself within Gian Piero Gasperini’s defensive rotation while beginning the next chapter of his career in Rome.
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