SANDY, Utah – Real Salt Lake has, yet again, made a statement to the rest of the league by signing former Italian international, Giuseppe Rossi.

Rossi is a familiar name to soccer fans around the world.

Despite being born and growing up in Teaneck, New Jersey, Rossi, and his family moved to Italy when he was just 12 after being offered a youth contract by Italian club, Parma. Then, just 5 years later, when Rossi was 17, Manchester United bought the contract and Rossi’s professional career had officially started.

No way❗️❗️❗️😱😱😱 pic.twitter.com/vbboZfhZ1v

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) February 27, 2020

“It feels great to now be a part of Real Salt Lake,” Rossi said. “I can’t wait to step onto the pitch and help RSL achieve all the goals we’ve set this year. For me, MLS has been growing every year and has produced an exciting product. I’m lucky enough to have RSL be my first contact in the league during this process. The club’s respect and kindness towards me is something I appreciate immensely. I can’t wait to see and meet the fans and immerse myself in the RSL culture. Along with the rest of the team, I can’t wait to begin this season and enjoy the journey together.”

He would make his Manchester United debut at the tender old age of 17 against Crystal Palace in the fifth round of the League Cup, Rossi was the 84th-minute substitute at Old Trafford.

Following his Manchester United stint, in which Rossi only notched five appearances, scoring one goal, he would continue his career at other top-tier European clubs such as Villareal, Fiorentina, and Genoa.

Over the 16 years since he debuted for Manchester United in 2004, Rossi has scored 91 goals over all competitions.

He has also made 30 appearances, scoring 1 goal, for the four-time World Cup-winning Italian national team.

Rossi, who earned his nickname Pepito due to his prolific performances while in the Spanish La Liga with Villareal, is named after one of the most exciting Italian forwards of all-time, Paolo Rossi, who was nicknamed Pablito following his Golden Boot winning performance of 6 goals in the 1982 World Cup hosted by Spain in which Italy left victorious.