Stephan El Shaarawy has completed his return to Roma from Shanghai Shenhua.
The winger has signed a contract until 2023 with the Giallorossi after calling time on his adventure in China.
El Shaarawy left Roma for Shanghai in the summer of 2019 after one of his most prolific seasons in front of goal.
However, he was keen to return to Europe to boost his chances of retaining his place in Italy’s squad for Euro 2020 – and Roma have come calling back for him.
After trying but failing to bring him back in October, and then encountering delays this month due to the player testing positive for Covid-19, the move is finally complete.
El Shaarawy has shown great desire to come back to the capital, forgoing around €20m in wages in China to get the deal done.
His original arrival at Roma was in January 2016, when he boosted a talented but faltering team and inspired a strong second half of the season. The hope remains that history will repeat itself five years later.
Upon moving back to Rome, the 28-year-old told the club website: “When I arrived in Rome the first time I realised how little time it takes for this club and this city to make a deep impression on you.
“When I left I quickly realised that both would always be in my heart. Now I cannot wait to be once again representing this club and these colours.”
In his previous spell at Roma, El Shaarawy scored 40 goals in 139 appearances.
He returns five years to the day since his first Roma goal, which came on his debut. He will wear the number 92 shirt again.
El Shaarawy will commence group training on Monday.
Bentornato, Stephan.
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