Paolo apologises to Charlton

Paolo Di Canio has issued a public apology to Charlton after the most 'painful' decision of his career saw him leave The Valley - despite agreeing a new one-year contract just last month.

Following negotiations between the player and the club, the Addicks have agreed to rescind his contract.

The Italian is now expected to sign a contract with Lazio and, as part of the deal, the Serie A side will play a friendly in South London next summer.

The 36-year-old insisted he had fully intended to honour his new deal and help Charlton improve on last season's seventh-placed finish when he had agreed the contract.

However, he revealed that his family wanted to remain in Rome and, once it became clear Lazio would offer him the chance to return to the Olympic Stadium, Di Canio decided to move back to the Eternal City.

Di Canio told the club's official website, www.cafc.co.uk: "This is possibly the most difficult career decision I have ever had to make and I can only apologise to Alan Curbishley and the supporters of Charlton, for whom I have the greatest affection.

"I have often said I wished I joined Charlton earlier in my career, and whatever has happened I will always believe this to be so.

"The supporters were always right behind me and I hope they will not be angry with me and will understand that, where your family is involved, you sometimes have to do things which are very painful."

Di Canio joined the Addicks in August 2003 from West Ham. He made 33 league and cup appearances and scored five goals to finish as the club's joint third top scorer.