Stephan El Shaarawy returns to Genoa, his first club

Stephan El Shaarawy's return gives Genoa a direct link to the club's history as the Italy international rejoins the side where he began his senior career. Genoa confirmed the signing on Wednesday, bringing the 33-year-old back to the rossoblù after he left Roma in May last year.

El Shaarawy was developed by Genoa and made his first-team debut in 2008-09. His route after that opening chapter included AC Milan, Monaco, Shanghai Shenhua and Roma. He now returns to the starting point of a career that has passed 500 professional appearances and 100 goals, adding significant experience to his reunion with the club.

His international record stands at 32 Italy caps and seven goals. Genoa sporting director Diego Lopez believes the player will contribute class, experience and identity. El Shaarawy has also made clear his happiness at wearing the Genoa shirt again, presenting the move as the closing of a circle. The transfer therefore combines a return to the player's formative club with the arrival of an established Italy international whose career has taken him across Italy, France and China before this latest return to Genoa.