Former Italy national team striker Giuseppe Rossi has joined Real Salt Lake of the MLS just before the beginning of the North American league’s season, adding strength to his new team’s attack and bringing a prominent name to the league.
Rossi, who was born and raised in the United States but chose to represent Italy internationally based on his heritage early in his career, has a career resume that is unmatched by most players in Major League Soccer.
The New Jersey native began his professional career at Manchester United, where he made only five appearances under Sir Alex Ferguson. Rossi’s best stretch of performances came after making the move to Villarreal in Spain’s La Liga.
While playing for the Yellow Submarine, Rossi scored 54 goals in 136 appearances between 2007 and 2013, becoming one of Spain’s premier forwards.
Injuries have plagued the striker throughout his career, beginning during his final seasons at Villarreal. After moving to Fiorentina and then subsequently to Levante and Celta Vigo, he had trouble finding rhythm and consistency due to constant knee problems.
Rossi has been without a team since appearing in 9 matches for Genoa in the 2017-18 season.
Now, the 33-year-old striker will have the opportunity to star for Real Salt Lake if injuries allow him to stay on the field, instantly becoming one of the league’s most prominent and recognizable faces.
