The 33-year-old ahead will play at the country of his birth for the first time following a lengthy career in the top European leagues.
Real Salt Lake have announced the signing of Giuseppe Rossi in something of a homecoming for the United States-born former Italy international.
It’s the first time that the 33-year-old has played MLS in a career that has taken in spells in England, Spain and Italy since announcing himself at Manchester United in 2004.
The free-agent striker last played Genoa in 2018, where he failed a drug test and was given a one-year ban, then downgraded to a warning.
He’s coached with former clubs United and Villarreal since then while shooting in a trial at Los Angeles FC, but it’s in Utah where he will restart his career.
“It feels great to now be a part of Real Salt Lake,” Rossi said.
“I can not wait to step onto the pitch and assist RSL achieve all of the goals we have set this season. For me personally, MLS has been growing every year, and it has produced exciting merchandise.
“I’m fortunate enough to have RSL is my initial contact in the league in this procedure.
“The club’s respect and kindness towards me is something that I love immensely. I can not wait to see and meet the fans and immerse myself in the RSL culture.
“Together with the rest of the group, I can not wait to start this year and enjoy the journey together.”
The team made the statement with a cheeky tweet on Thursday.
RSL head coach Freddy Juarez was eager to stress that the impact a participant of Rossi’s talent and expertise may bring to the club, on and off the pitch.
“It is amazing to have a player of his abilities in and about the men,” Juarez said.
“It’s a man that could alter the game at any given time and he has seen it all and done it all so that he gives the team confidence.
“Beyond his abilities, he takes the opportunity to talk and spend some time with the young men. It goes a long way when your peers can lead you and maintain high standards.”
Rossi’s new team created the MLS playoffs last year but were removed in the semi-final period for the second successive season.
They open their 2020 effort on Sunday in Orlando City before their first home game against New York Red Bulls on March 7.
