El Shaarawy returns 'home' to Genoa

Former Italy forward Stephan El Shaarawy has returned to his formative club, Genoa, the Serie A side announced on Wednesday, following almost a decade at Roma.

El Shaarawy, 33, made his senior debut with Genoa as a 16-year-old in 2008 before spells at AC Milan and Monaco.

He joined Roma in 2016, where he spent the better part of a decade, barring a two-year stint at Shanghai Shenhua in China.

"With Genoa, I experienced my first joys as a professional, I experienced my first emotions, and returning to wear this jersey is a bit of a full circle moment," El Shaarawy said in a Genoa statement.

"Being back home fills me and my family with pride: Genoa is part of our DNA, and the desire to fight for these colours and these fans is a drive I feel very strongly."

Genoa, coached by El Shaarawy's former Roma teammate Daniele De Rossi, have also signed Robinho Junior, the son of former Brazil international Robinho.

The 19-year-old made the headlines in May when he was slapped by his teammate Neymar – the Selecao's record goalscorer who reacted badly to being dribbled past by his teenage teammate at Santos.

Genoa are 16th in the Serie A table after opening the season with two defeats. They host Como on Friday.