Giuseppe Rossi made his long-awaited return to action in a friendly against Serie A rivals Carpi and thanked his club and the fans for their encouraging support during his long rehabilitation.
The Italy international missed all of last season with a knee problem that also kept him out the 2014 Brazilian World Cup squad, but made an appearance for Paulo Sousa’s side as the Viola ran out 2-0 winners.
“Finally I’m back out there on the pitch,” he told ViolaChannel. “It was a tough game against a league rival but it was great to be playing again and I thought we did well.
“I’m working flat out to get my fitness back. The fans and my team mates have been fantastic during this time and I’m doing all I can to be ready for the new season and to be as strong as I was before. I want to thank them all.”
