Lazio striker Paolo Di Canio has promised to stop giving a fascist salute to his supporters.

Di Canio, who has twice been fined for the gesture, told a radio station in Rome he would stop making the salute in order to protect the club.

“During the Christmas break I have had time to reflect and I have decided to put the good of Lazio before my interests,” said the former West Ham United striker.

“For the moment I will avoid certain displays in public, situations which are so devilish for some people,” he said.

“But I will continue my battle for liberty in other ways, with he help of the lawyers who assist me,” said Di Canio.

The 37-year-old had previously vowed to continue with the salute despite receiving a €10,000 fine and a one-match ban last month.

Several supporters groups have opened a bank account for sympathisers to pay Di Canio’s fines, Italian media have reported.

Di Canio also said that he was ready to extend his contract with Lazio beyond this season.

“I’m certainly not going to quit playing because I have a mission to complete here. I will only leave Lazio when the club decides that,” he added.

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