SALT LAKE CITY – Real Salt Lake manager Pablo Mastroeni told reporters that newly signed Designated Player Jefferson Savarino has turned down his international call-up with Venezuala and will remain with Real Salt Lake.

Savarino, 25, was invited by the Venezuelan Federation to join the national team as they prepared for friendlies against Malta and Saudia Arabia, respectively. KSL Sports has learned that Savarino turned down the opportunity to integrate his family back into life in Utah and to further improve his fitness ahead of Real Salt Lake’s road test against Vancouver this weekend.

Time was limited on the interview – but we got a chance to speak with Jefferson Savarino, @realsaltlake 's newest DP after landing in Salt Lake City.

The 25-year old returns to #RSL after a successful run with Atletico Mineiro. #RSL @kslsports @MLSes @MLS @rslshow pic.twitter.com/5zoui5Eg5X

— Andy Muñoz (@andyxmunoz) May 24, 2022

Savarino arrived in Utah early last week before undergoing physical and medical tests before training with his new team. Prior to last weekend’s victory against Houston, Savarino admitted in a press conference that he is not yet fit enough to play a full match, rather, he is available to come off the bench if Mastroeni opts to utilize him.

Against Houston the home fans began chanting his name as soon as the second half began, then in the 70th minute, he replaced Maikel Chang and played the final 24 minutes of the game. During those 24 minutes, Savarino looked sharp on the ball and was able to link up with a number of his teammates on the right side of the pitch.

Now, the next progression for Savarino will be to ensure that his fitness improves and that he can play a full 90 minutes.

It remains unknown if Savarino will be available to start against Vancouver this weekend.

Next Match

Real Salt Lake will travel to Vancouver next Saturday, June 4, with kickoff scheduled for 5 p.m.

As always, the fixture will be available to stream for free via the KSL Sports and KSL 5 TV app or on KSL Sports dot com.