Arena Slams Door on Rossi [R]

[Parmigiano]

This deserves it's own thread. It looks like it's over for Rossi and the USA:

Giuseppe Rossi, the 18-year-old New Jersey-born Manchester United striker, has told Arena that he would rather play for his parents' native Italy than for the United States.

"Clearly he's not interested in playing for the U.S. team, and if he's not then we're not interested in having him," says Arena, who says he spoke with Rossi about the possibility of a call-up for the U.S.'s recent friendly against Scotland. "We're not chasing around 18-year-old players that can't get games for their club team and tell me they want to play for Italy. It's a futile exercise."

Rossi, who has scored one goal in two Premier League appearances this season, is considered one of Man U's rising young talents.

From the incredibly buried lead department...

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/grant_wahl/12/02/us.draw/1.html

[benito camelpene]

There is already another thread covering this topic. The Grant Wahl sport illustrated thread.

[Sandon Mibut]

Well, that ends that.

He had his chance and made his choice. I respect his decision and would have welcomed him to the US team. But as far as I'm concerned, this issue is closed unless there is a major turn of events.

[Ikari]

I'd like to say I'm glad this Rossi mess is over, but I get the feeling it's just beginning anew.

[galaxy1320]

Yeah, hardly a "tidbit"!!!

Bummer...

[Parmigiano]

You can feel the frustrastion in Arena's quote. Calls the kid out a little, even, saying in effect that he's in no position to be talking about playing for Italy.

Well, good on Rossi, if that's what he wants. He certainly has a fair shot at making Italy's Euro U21 team and maybe the 08 Olympics. From there, he'd be within reach of his dream.

[Red Card]

Does he pay US income taxes on his MU wages? If not, I hope the IRS bites him.

[appoo]

I thought Arena's comment was hilarious. uneccessarily spiteful but hilarious

[forza inter]

im totally bummed to hear it. as an american of italian descent id hoped he would change his heart and play for the us....oh well.

im glad bruce said what he said thpugh. bring that punk down a peg or 2. see if the reverse phycology pays off ;)


forza inter

[dmike]

"We're not chasing around 18-year-old players that can't get games for their club team and tell me they want to play for Italy. It's a futile exercise."

As harsh as that comment is, it's 100% right

Message sent out loud and clear to Rossi, your not gonna use the USA as leverage for your Azurri hopes.

[Scoobs]

thank You, Bruce Arena.

[sidefootsitter]

Does he pay US income taxes on his MU wages? If not, I hope the IRS bites him. He pays English/UK taxes.

[Red Card]

He pays English/UK taxes.

As an American citizen he is required to file US tax forms. He can take a credit for foreign taxes paid against his US tax bill, and then pay any balance due. But if he hasn't filed he wouldn't want to set foot in the US.

[Yankee_Devil]

Hopefuly his dad wont ever need to get another job because if Rossi's courrier does not fly as high as they hope... well good luck to his dad or Rossi with finding a REAL job in Italy.

I consider this a spit in the face of every American specialy those of us with Italian roots.

[helmzgk]

I'm glad Arena chimed in on this issue, and pretty much told the world Rossi is should concentrate on being a regular with his club team before he chooses what country he'd play for.


With that said, I highly doubt this will be the first time an American kid is going to choose the national origin of their parents.

[elknco1]

i'm sure his accountants will sort it out for him...

[MarioKempes]

I respect what both Rossi and Arena have said. If Rossi wants to play for Italy, that's his prerogative. And Arena is right in what he said, too. The funny thing is, in 10 years I fully expect the US and Italy to be on equal footing in the soccer world.

Perhaps Rossi will regret his decision in 10 years. Perhaps not. But it's his call.

[GIO17]

Bruce met with him and has officially told everyone what he felt about Rossi. Wheather some of you guys who wanted Rossi on the National Team thought Arena's comments were spitful or not it's very clear this kid wants to be on the Azzuri and Bruce has told him to go ahead, we don't need you.

Do we need talented or up & coming talent like Rossi? Yes we do. But as I have said those players who have all the talent in the world who doesn't have a clear head and heart is not worth Arena's time nor his natioanl team teammates time to be messed around with.

His shirt is blue and his shorts are white, Italian Azzuri is calling for him and that is what he wants. Good ridence.

[Yankee_Devil]

Bruce met with him and has officially told everyone what he felt about Rossi. Wheather some of you guys who wanted Rossi on the National Team thought Arena's comments were spitful or not it's very clear this kid wants to be on the Azzuri and Bruce has told him to go ahead, we don't need you.

Do we need talented or up & coming talent like Rossi? Yes we do. But as I have said those players who have all the talent in the world who doesn't have a clear head and heart is not worth Arena's time nor his natioanl team teammates time to be messed around with.

His shirt is blue and his shorts are white, Italian Azzuri is calling for him and that is what he wants. Good ridence.

Good to see somebody else from the Bronx in the forum.

I think that is the whole point his shirt is not Azzuri and his shorts are not white, at least not yet. Not only that but there is pretty good chance that they never will be.

[M]

Hopefuly his dad wont ever need to get another job because if Rossi's courrier does not fly as high as they hope... well good luck to his dad or Rossi with finding a REAL job in Italy.

I consider this a spit in the face of every American specialy those of us with Italian roots.

Yeh, I mean fancy an Italian citizen wanting to play for... Italy.