Ex-Man Utd starlet and golden boot winner retires - "My dreams came true"
Former Manchester United hotshot Giuseppe Rossi has confirmed his retirement from professional football at the age of 36.
The Italy international started his career at Old Trafford during Sir Alex Ferguson's tenure, winning the club's young player of the year award and scoring four goals in 14 senior games. When fit, he scored freely in both Italy and Spain, but injuries impacted the second half of his career.
Rossi's form in Spain for Villarreal helped set him on his way to 30 senior Italy caps. He scored seven times for the Azzurri's senior side, while four goals at the 2008 Olympics for Italy's under-23 side were enough for the golden boot in Beijing.
"Today I announce my retirement from the beautiful game," Rossi wrote on Instagram. "It’s been an unforgettable journey! From running around the backyard as a kid with a ball at my feet and having my father as a coach, to playing at the highest level of football possible, in the most beautiful stadiums football can offer and playing with/against the best players and clubs in the world….I’m eternally grateful to have been a part of this game.
"My dreams came true. My life is fulfilled. All I ever wanted was to be the best player I could be. I dedicated every ounce of me, shedded blood, sweat and tears for this game. I can leave the game peacefully, knowing I did all I can possibly do to achieve my goals.
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"My journey is unique. A lot of ups but also some downs. Those down moments (mostly injuries) never defined me. My purpose was stronger than any obstacle that was in front of me. I never stopped dreaming when things I couldn’t control got in my way.
"I love the game so much that I could’ve never given up. That is why I’m writing this with a heavy heart but a big smile on face - I’m proud of what I accomplished!"
What are your fondest memories from Giuseppe Rossi's career? Have your say in the comments section
Giuseppe Rossi scored four times in Man Utd colours (Manchester Evening News)
Rossi gave thanks to his former coaches as well as the clubs he represented in a career spanning close to two decades. His most successful spell came with Villarreal, where he scored 82 goals in 192 appearances and hit 11 in a single Europa League season.
The American-born frontman also hit 16 for Fiorentina in the 2013-14 Serie A season, but a succession of injury setbacks meant he was unable to repeat the feat. He suffered three separate cruciate ligament injuries over the course of his career, and hasn't manager 20 appearances in a single campaign in more than half a decade.
Most recently, Rossi was back in Italy with second-tier SPAL, and said it was an "honour" to represent each of his teams. "I will truly miss the game but I know it’s time," he wrote.
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