Giuseppe Rossi explains why he chose Genoa to revitalise his career after injury and still dreams of an Italy call. “They said things I wanted to hear.”
The 30-year-old formally signed a contract to the end of the season, as he was a free agent following the end of his deals with Fiorentina and Celta Vigo.
He sustained a series of terrible knee injuries, rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament three times.
Giuseppe Rossi explains why he chose Genoa to revitalise his career after injury and still dreams of an Italy call. “They said things I wanted to hear.”
The 30-year-old formally signed a contract to the end of the season, as he was a free agent following the end of his deals with Fiorentina and Celta Vigo.
He sustained a series of terrible knee injuries, rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament three times.
Although he was a free agent, Genoa director of sport Giorgio Perinetti confirmed he might not be registered before January 4 due to an issue with the Spanish Federation.
“I feel great. It’s been seven and a half months since the operation, I am training well and in physical terms I am healed, so it’s just an issue of getting match fitness and I hope to start training from tomorrow,” said Pepito in his Press conference.
“I am very happy and emotional to be at Genoa. I thank President Enrico Preziosi, the directors and the fans. I am happy to resume from here.
“I was in America when I got the call. It was an easy choice, because Genoa are an important club with a lot of ambition, just like me. I realised they were really enthusiastic and therefore it was a very quick negotiation process. They said the things I wanted to hear.”
Genoa have become known for revitalising the careers of players who suffered devastating injuries, such as Thiago Motta and Diego Perotti.
“I wasn’t thinking about that, but rather about the environment, as the fans are passionate and care about their players. I think it’ll be spectacular to play at Marassi every Sunday.
“I think the team is very balanced, it’s a shame we only have 13 points, but it’s a long season and since the Coach arrived there has been a turning point in our fortunes with three positive results in a row.
“I already worked with Davide Ballardini at Parma, as he was my Coach at Primavera youth level. His assistant manager, Regno, worked with me at the Allievi level before that, so they saw me grow up.”
Rossi was extraordinarily unlucky with injuries in recent years and received messages of support from throughout the football world.
“It was really wonderful to see such affection. I never gave up, because it’s great to make others happy, plus I have such love for this sport.”
His former club Fiorentina will take on Genoa in a couple of weeks.
“I hope to take part, as that’ll mean the transfer has come through from Spain. I have no regrets about my time at Fiorentina, in fact I have only beautiful memories of that jersey.”
He had hoped to recover in time to take part in Italy’s World Cup campaign, but the Azzurri failed to qualify for the tournament.
“My dream of playing for Italy is always there. It’s a pity we’re not at the World Cup, but we’ll overcome this difficult moment. I don’t know what happened, as I haven’t been in the Nazionale for a couple of years, but I am a great supporter and I’m sure we’ll get back to being important in the football world.”
Image via genoacfc.it