Tearful Quagliarella applauded off the pitch in final Sampdoria home game

Fabio Quagliarella was given a standing ovation from the entirety of the spectators of the Luigi Ferraris stadium on Friday evening, after the 40-year-old played 85 minutes of what could be the final home game of his career. 

The veteran goalscorer was crucial in ensuring that Sampdoria ended their home campaign without defeat, forcing a save from Sassuolo’s Andrea Consigli, which ultimately led to Martin Erlic’s own goal and Samp’s equaliser on the night. 

Shortly afterwards, Quagliarella’s number was held aloft by the fourth official and the captain began to make his way over to Dejan Stankovic and the rest of the players in the dugout.  Before he reached them, though, he stopped, bowed to the Samp supporters behind the goal and applauded all four stands as he made his exit from the pitch. 

The tears then began to flow and the departing Quagliarella was consoled by all of Sampdoria’s players on the pitch in what was a truly touching moment.  The captain’s armband was then handed over to Manolo Gabbiadini, who ensured that his team finished the game level with 13th-placed Sassuolo.