by Jack Bell

Giuseppe Rossi grew up in Clifton, N.J., but never played soccer in high school or college in the United States (or for the United States national team). Instead, he joined the youth academy of Parma of Italy's Serie A as a 12-year-old. His professional career has taken him to Manchester United (England); Newcastle (England) and Parma on loan; Villarreal (Spain); and back to Italy with his current club, Fiorentina.

Before an ankle injury in January, Rossi was leading Serie A in goals. He was back in the United States recently to treat and rehabilitate his right knee and to visit family. He returned to Italy on Wednesday ahead of Fiorentina's Europa League game against Juventus on Thursday, but not before an interview with The Times.

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Source: http://www.nytimes.com/