Napoli football has lost one of its most iconic, beloved, and recognizable figures. After fifty years of wearing the blue jersey, Tommaso Starace, the team's longtime storekeeper, has announced his retirement.
This news shocked and moved the entire Neapolitan community: from fans to players, from managers to simple enthusiasts, everyone wanted to spare a thought for him. Because Tommy, for Naples, is more than just a warehouse worker. He's a symbol.
With his discreet but constant presence in the locker rooms, on away games, and in every corner of club life, Starace was the man behind the scenes for half a century, always there, fixing uniforms and offering coffee to champions.
A good-natured, paternal, reassuring figure, capable of spanning eras, champions, presidents, coaches, without ever changing.
From the days of Diego Armando Maradona to last year's Scudetto, Tommaso has always been there. Always with his coffee machine, a ready smile, and a kind word for everyone.
His social farewell has entered the hearts of the fans
He shared his farewell on social media, with a post that has already won fans' hearts. In a snapshot that's almost a love postcard to Naples, he's seen drinking coffee on the waterfront, with Vesuvius in the background, as he bids farewell:
Many of you are asking me why I'm no longer with the team... after 50 years of honorable service to my beloved Napoli football team, I've decided to take a break to rest, enjoy some relaxation, and spend time with my family. I will continue, along with you fans, to support the team and the city it represents! I'm grateful for this fantastic journey together.
The post garnered over 40 likes in just a few hours and a flood of comments. The first to leave a heart was captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo, followed by Alex Meret, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia ("Tommy the best"), Pasquale Mazzocchi, Faouzi Ghoulam ("We love you Tommaso, the team loses a great man"), Gökhan Inler, and many other Napoli faces past and present.
Many have called him "the true story of Napoli." The only player to have experienced all four Scudetti, from the Maradonian epic to the joy of 2023, Starace has accompanied generations of footballers like a father, a friend, and a lucky charm.
Tommaso Starace never made the headlines, but without him, Napoli wouldn't be the same. Because every team needs a silent heart beating behind the scenes. And for half a century, that heart had only one name: Tommy.
And starting tomorrow morning, he will be seen walking the streets of his hometown of Vico Equense with his faithful dog on a leash.
It's very sad that Tommaso Starace is leaving the team, because he was an important figure for Napoli. There are so many memories of him, but now we must look to the future and hope the team can continue to win.