Goal.com · May 3, 2020
El Shaarawy admits he was close to Roma return
Stephan El Shaarawy confirmed he was close to returning to Roma in January in a bid to earn a place in Italy's squad for Euro 2020.
El Shaarawy, who left Roma for Shanghai Shenhua last year, was heavily linked with a return, but no move was completed.
A 25-time Italy international, the attacker said he was prepared to return amid interest from two Serie A clubs, including Roma.
"There was the possibility of returning to Italy," El Shaarawy told Fabio Cannavaro during an Instagram Live chat on Sunday.
"When the virus broke out, I had spoken to the club saying that I needed to play to earn a place in the European Championship.