Official: El Shaarawy returns to Roma | OneFootball

Stephan El Shaarawy has marked his return to Roma.

The Giallorossi announced this afternoon that “il Faraone” has rejoined the club after he terminated his contract with Shanghai Shenhua — whom he informed early last month that he wanted to leave permanently.

“When I arrived in Rome the first time I realised how little time it takes for this club and this city to make a deep impression on you,” El Shaarawy said to the club’s official website.

“When I left I quickly realised that both would always be in my heart. Now I cannot wait to be once again representing this club and these colours.”

El Shaarawy, 28, made 139 appearances for the club in his first spell – scoring 40 goals during his first stint with Roma, which last from January 2016 to August 2019.

“Everyone knows the quality El Shaarawy has, but few are aware of the full extent of his desire to come back and wear the Roma shirt once more – and it is that desire and belief in our project that made all the difference,” said Tiago Pinto, the club’s General Director.

“Today we are delighted to welcome him back to the club once again.”