Former Chairman: De Rossi Was Key to El Shaarawy's Return to Genoa

Pierro-Carrera was previously the chairman of Legino, which was also the first club El Shaarawy played for. He is now honorary chairman of Savona and spoke to Corriere della Sera about the return of the player born in 1992 to Genoa. The following are his comments to the newspaper.

Carrera's memories

“De Rossi played a decisive role in his return; he was the key to opening the doors of the red-and-blue club,” Pierro-Carrera explained. “El Shaarawy joined Legino when he was 6 years old and moved to Genoa when he was a little over 11. I have always had a brotherly relationship with Michele Sbravati. I was always the first to recommend our talented players to him, and he played a decisive role in El Shaarawy's career. He always believed in him.”

“El Shaarawy returns to Legino every year to see us. In June, I also attended his wedding. He is a grateful and affectionate boy; I practically watched him grow up. I was truly happy to be there for his wedding. I am very pleased that he returned to Genoa, to a place that will welcome him like its own son, like a king. Many Genoa fans I know were praying for him to come home, and now they are all excited. El Shaarawy could have gone abroad to earn more money, but he thinks with his heart rather than his head, and that is exactly the kind of person I like,” the longtime Savona club chairman concluded.