From：http://tinyurl.com/pmhf6 TOMMASI MAKES EMOTIONAL EXIT Damiano Tommasi has bid an emotional farewell to Roma, ending a decade at the capital club. The 32-year-old is out of contract after the extraordinary 12-month deal which saw him paid Italy's minimum wage came to an end. "The atmosphere here is no longer right for me," the former Italy midfielder explained at a press conference on Monday. "It is a decision I made several months ago when I realised I lacked motivation, even if from a professional and family viewpoint, staying with Roma would have been the best thing for me." Tommasi helped the club to its first Italian league title for almost 20 years when they clinched the Scudetto in 2001 and he is now ready to take on a new challenge, one which is certain to be away from Serie A. "There is no other club in Italy, apart from Verona, who could give me more motivation than Roma," he added. "I will be moving abroad - Levante are a possibility." Tommasi made the headlines 12 months ago when he signed a new contract with Roma for a wage of just 1,500 euros a month. He did so to thank the club for their support during a prolonged and uncertain period on the sidelines with a serious knee injury. Having overcome the injury which threatened to curtail his career, Tommasi believes the time has come to pen a new chapter. "It is not easy to go after 10 years and it has been a very difficult decision," he admitted after deciding not to extend his contract, which expired at the end of last month. Tommasi leaves with the best wishes of the Giallorossi, who see him as an example to all. "In the history of AS Roma, there is a significant page written by Damiano Tommasi, one of the champions of the Giallorossi," said general manager Rosella Sensi. "Roma is and will always be united with this footballer. Roma and Damiano have experienced some wonderful times together and the values recognised by this footballer must be employed in the present and the future, particularly in the teaching of youngsters." --

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