Alberto Gilardino described Palermo's Serie A survival as a "miracle" after a final-day 3-2 win over relegated Hellas Verona.
The result preserved Palermo's top-flight status by a point as a five-match unbeaten run to end the season sent Carpi back to Serie B.
"After a difficult season we were able to make a beautiful sports miracle," the 33-year-old told Sky Italia.
"I am happy for myself, for my team-mates and for these fans.
"We knew that against Verona would be a difficult game, but we did well and we managed to win a race that had apparently ended a month and a half ago.
"Many did not think we could survive for a month now, but we stuck together and managed to do all this."
Palermo took a 1-0 lead through Franco Vazquez after 28 minutes, but both teams were reduced to 10 men after 38 minutes when Pawel Wszolek and Michel Morganella were dismissed.
