SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Giuseppe Rossi is a world-renowned soccer player, he has played in the best leagues this world has to offer and he is now a member of Real Salt Lake. He is entering the final stages of his career, however, is still very passionate and eager to prove to his doubters that he is still more than capable of doing what he does best scoring goals.

Rossi hails from New Jersey, his family however are originally from Italy. Once the coronavirus left China, Italy was the hardest country hit. Fortunately, his family is okay. They have yet to fall ill and are all in good spirits.

Currently, Rossi is living in an apartment, by himself, in the suburbs of Salt Lake City. His wife, who like him, is from New Jersey is back home with the rest of their family.

During the pandemic, Rossi has had to leave his comfort zone to help keep his mind and body sharp.

“I have been Facetiming a lot of people, I have also learned how to use Zoom,” Rossi said. “I bought myself a Playstation and have been playing Fifa, I am also trying to finish a 1000 piece puzzle that is taking forever, I am painting a tiger, I am doing anything I can to keep my mind off the crisis.”

Regardless, Rossi is staying sane and trying to stay active. He has been busy posting videos on his social platforms showcasing his remarkable skill to control a ball of any shape.

Dalla noia infinita, ho pensato a questa sfida per voi!!!! 10 palleggi normali, poi 10 con la suolo😅😅 vediamo se abbiamo perso il “feeling” con la palla o magari la prossima sfida devo alzare il livello 😉😉😉….DIVERTIAMOCI!!!! #SfidaPepito (usate l’hashtag) pic.twitter.com/HDo4py8rIs

— GIUSEPPE ROSSI (@GiuseppeRossi22) April 9, 2020

When Rossi was first brought into the Real Salt Lake camp, roughly a month before the season was scheduled to start, he was not signed immediately. He stated that the way Major League Soccer clubs operate contract negotiations is different than his previous experiences, hence the prolonged time.

Regardless, Rossi was open to “integrate” himself with him new teammates. He was eager to prove that he is a part of the group and is excited to play alongside his teammates when MLS eventually returns.

Rossi also mentioned that he wants to prove his worth and re-establish himself on the field. His career has been interrupted on a number of occasions due to serious injuries, most notably the cruciate ligament rupture that sidelined him for 557 days.

Rossi also has goals that he has set for the team, he wants to make it further than the second round of the MLS Playoffs and best the 2019 season.

#PepitoChallenge is back! Objective is not to do it once and get “lucky” but to MASTER it! 💯#PepitoChallenge eccoci!! Obbiettivo e’ di essere PADRONE di ogni tocco di palla!! Divertitevi! 🇮🇹❤️🇮🇹! pic.twitter.com/VQpnkdlzkp

— GIUSEPPE ROSSI (@GiuseppeRossi22) April 19, 2020

While Rossi may be eager to get back to the training facility, much like his peers, he will have to patiently wait for this crisis to slow down. Despite admitting that he is not a very good chef, he did brag about the lamb loin that he whipped up on Easter Sunday. Too bad he had no one to share it with.

If Rossi can stay fit, he has the potential to be the most impactful player on RSL’s roster this season. His accolades speak for themself, the man is a wizard with the football at his feet. He can beat opposing defenders in a multitude of ways.

RSL is lucky to have Rossi on their roster. Now all we need to do is “crush the curve” and get the great game of soccer back so that we can all watch ‘Pepito’ put the ball in the back of the onion bag and give RSL the lead!

Tom Hackett is a Utah and Real Salt Lake Insider for KSLsports.com and host of the It’s Utah’s World Podcast (Utah Football themed) and The Lion’s Den Podcast (Real Salt Lake themed). Follow him on Twitter: @TomCantHackett.