Rossi thanks Fiorentina for ‘ unforgettable ‘ Pepito Day at age 38

FLORENCE – MARCH 22: Giuseppe Rossi during Pepito Day at Stadio Artemio Franchi on March 22, 2025 in Florence. Pepito Day is special event dedicated to Giuseppe Rossi, affectionately nicknamed “Pepito”. This day will mark the farewell to football of the Italian-American striker, famous for his career at clubs such as Fiorentina, Villarreal and Manchester United, as well as for his appearances for the Italian national team. (Photo by Diego Puletto/Getty Images)

Giuseppe Rossi has thanked Fiorentina, the fans and players who participated in his testimonial last week. ‘It was an unforgettable evening and I will never forget the last few days.’

The 38-year-old had seven goals in 30 senior caps for Italy, while he played at club level for the likes of Manchester United, Fiorentina, Villarreal and Genoa.

His career was blighted by injury problems, which eventually saw him hang up his boots in the summer of 2023.

Rossi had his testimonial match at the Stadio Franchi over the weekend, called Pepito Day, including star names such as David De Gea, Gabriel Batistuta, Luca Toni, Sebastien Frey, Mario Gomez and Francesco Toldo.

Fiorentina event to honour Rossi

“It was an unforgettable evening, so thank you to the Viola fans, to Fiorentina and all the champions who came to Pepito Day,” Rossi told the official club website.

“I will never forget the last few days. Returning to the Stadio Franchi was an indescribable emotion, surrounded as I was by great champions and great friends.”

He was able to train at the Viola Park, the new structure that opened last year for all the various Fiorentina teams.

“I spoke to General Manager Alessandro Ferrari about the incredible structure that was wanted by President Rocco Commisso. It’s the kind of training centre I would’ve dreamed of as a player, and now it is destined for the Fiorentina of the future, the young talents who will wear the Viola jersey.

“I was struck by these great prospects. With Saturday’s event, we tried to explain how much sense of belonging and recognition there is at Fiorentina and its incredible fans. I was really moved to have experienced an unforgettable moment with my family.”

However, Rossi also joked that the retired players who participated in Pepito Day were feeling the effects afterwards.

“I must admit that the moment we got up from the dinner table to go home, nobody did it without a few groans. Even if we have aged a bit, we still saw that quality on the pitch.”