Al-Shaarawy returns to Rome after a year and a half in the Chinese League

Italian international striker Stephan El Shaarawy has returned to the capital, Rome, after about a year and a half at Shanghai Xinhua, China.

The 28-year-old left Roma in July 2019 for a deal valued at $ 20 million, scoring 4 goals in 14 matches.

His Portuguese coach, Paolo Fonseca, said, "El Shaarawy knows Italian football well and this is important."

"He will help us immediately, and I think he has good features for us," he added about the former Milan player who played 28 international matches.

Al Shaarawi scored 40 goals in 139 matches for Roma between 2016 and 2019.

"He wanted to return to Rome and this is important for the coach," Fonseca added.

For his part, Shaarawi said he was grateful to return to the Italian capital, "When I arrived in Rome for the first time, I made (the capital) and the club a quick impression in me."

But doubts hang over the future of Roma captain, Bosnian striker Eden Djikko in light of his planned dispute with Fonseca after losing to Spezia in the Cup competition, two days before the closing of the winter transfer window.

Roma are playing third Serie A with Verona on Sunday.

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