Ex-Man Utd star Giuseppe Rossi set for surprise return to former club

Former Manchester United forward Giuseppe Rossi is set for a surprise return to one of his former clubs, according to a new report.

Rossi played for the Red Devils between 2004 and 2007, initially joining their youth system.

He was called up to the senior squad by Sir Alex Ferguson in November 2004, making his Premier League debut as a substitute against Crystal Palace. But game time was hard to come by, as he made just 14 appearances in all competitions for United before joining Villarreal.

The Italy international became the Spanish club's top goalscorer during his spell of nearly six years, but two ACL injuries in 2011 and 2012 caused significant setbacks.

He joined Fiorentina in January 2013, and scored 14 goals in 18 Serie A appearances before suffering another knee injury in 2014.

After another ACL injury suffered whilst on loan at Celta Vigo in 2016, Rossi went on to have spells at Genoa, Real Salt Lake and Serie B side SPAL.

And after leaving the Italian side in the summer, Rossi is set for a footballing return.

Giuseppe Rossi set for Man Utd return

According to Fabrizio Romano, Rossi is set to seal a surprise return to SPAL for the remainder of the 2022/23 season.

After a successful trial last term, the 36-year-old went to play 14 times in the league, scoring three goals. He left the club at the end of the campaign.

Romano tweeted: "Giuseppe Rossi is back. Italian striker has reached full agreement with Serie B side SPAL until the end of the season - deal in place with president Joe Tacopina."

SPAL were formerly managed by World Cup winner Daniele De Rossi, who was appointed in October 2022. However, he was sacked by the club on Tuesday, having won just three of his 18 games in charge.

They also have Belgium midfielder Radja Nainggolan amongst the club's playing ranks, with the 34-year-old having joined the Serie B side in January on a deal until the end of the season. The midfielder denied rumours that he would leave the club following De Rossi's exit.

In an Instagram story, he said: "As usual, journalists speak with their a**. From what I've read, they decide my future. Pathetic."