Sergio Romo Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Sergio Romo is back where it all started.

The 40-year-old signed with the San Francisco Giants on a short-term minor-league deal that will have him retiring as a member of the team through the end of spring training.

Despite the abbreviated contract, Romo is still relishing that the Giants gave him this opportunity.

“Still am trying to wrap my head around how people can genuinely feel that I deserve something like this,” Romo told reporters on Saturday, including MLB.com’s Molly Burkhardt.

Romo was emotional as he continued.

“I understand the successes we had and, you know, my time — the nine years I spent here, it just — just never saw myself like that. I do feel like the perception people have of me is not the perception I have on myself,” Romo added.

The success Romo referred to resulted in three World Series championships with the Giants he was part of. The parades which took over the streets of San Francisco celebrated squads that possessed the names of Buster Posey, Tim Lincecum, and Matt Cain.

The symbolic contract was a move that wasn’t needed but ensured Romo was cemented in the history of the Giants.

Romo will retire after 15 seasons as a reliever and led by example as his slider extended his career. He taught this pitch to the younger pitchers as his role transitioned into veteran status.

The return to San Francisco truly is one of a homecoming. Romo has been living in the area since those World Series days.

“The relationship that Giants fans have with their players is unique — few exemplify that bond more than Sergio,” Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi said in a statement on Saturday. “After all that he accomplished as a Giant from 2008 to 2016, including his huge contributions to the championship teams, it’s a thrill to have him back in a San Francisco uniform.”

Romo will retire with 137 recorded saves and second among active players with 821 games played.

[Molly Burkhardt on Twitter]

About Jessica Kleinschmidt

Jess is a baseball fan with Reno, Nev. roots residing in the Bay Area. She is the host of "Short and to the Point" and is also a broadcaster with the Oakland A's Radio Network. She previously worked for MLB.com and NBC Sports Bay Area.