Sylvester Stallone may have played Rocky Balboa for the very last time

The champ is hanging up his gloves and released an emotional video.

Throughout the eight films that feature Rocky Balboa, we've seen 'The Italian Stallion' suffer his fair share of defeats and setbacks. Of course, he went the distance against the world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed but ultimately lost the fight. Clubber Lang sent the champ to the canvas in Rocky III and Apollo later died in Rocky's arms during the course of Rocky IV. After being diagnosed with brain damage, Balboa had to retire from the ring and he has since seen Adrian and Mickey pass away. This being said, the Rocky films have found a new lease of life with Michael B. Jordan's take on Adonis Creed and with Creed II set to be released this Friday, it appears that things are going to be very emotional because Stallone has hinted that this might be the last time that audiences see him playing his most famous character. Rambo be damned, it's all about Rocky. In a post on Instagram, Stallone wrote: “I just want to thank everyone around the whole wide world for taking the Rocky family into their hearts for over 40 years. It’s been my ultimate privilege to have been able to create and play this meaningful character. "Though it breaks my heart, Sadly all things must pass... and end. Keep punching, I love you kind and generous people, and Rocky loves you too.” In terms of what he said in the video itself, the Oscar-nominated star was very emotional as he explained: “Well, this is probably my last rodeo because, what I thought happened and has happened, I never expected. I thought Rocky was over in 2006, and I was very happy with that. And then all of a sudden this young man presented himself and the whole story changed. "It went on to a new generation, new problems, new adventures, and I couldn’t be happier because as I step back because my story has been told, there’s a whole new world that’s gonna be opening up for the audience, for this generation.” After hugging Michael B. Jordan, he added: “Now you have to carry the mantle.” Excuse us, we have something in our eye. Creed 2 is released in Ireland on 30 November.

 

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I am reposting this because there was a technical difficulty. I just want to thank everyone around the whole wide World for taking the Rocky family into their hearts for over 40 years. It’s been my Ultimate privilege to have been able to create and play this meaningful character. Though it breaks my heart, Sadly all things must pass... and end. I love you Kind and generous people , and The most wonderful thing of all , is that ROCKY will never die because he lives on in you ....

A post shared by Sly Stallone (@officialslystallone) on Nov 28, 2018 at 6:49am PST