Republic of Ireland superstar Stephanie Roche is set to make her long awaited comeback as she has put pen to paper for Women’s Serie A outfit Florentia in Italy.
The 29 year-old striker is set to make her return to the pitch after fully recovering from a double leg-break last September. Roche has been without a club since August and has been snapped up by the Italian outfit. The former Houston Dash and Sunderland player could make her debut in the Florence derby against Fiorentina, on December 2nd.
Delighted to announce that I’ve signed for @cfflorentia. A very ambitious club with a great work ethic and some excellent individual players. The team have started the season well and I can’t wait to get involved and contribute for the rest of the season!! #SerieA #Florentia pic.twitter.com/OCUOjDPZUL
— Stephanie Roche (@StephanieRoche9) November 8, 2018
The transfer was announced by Roche herself on social media where she stated; “I am very happy to have arrived at the Florentia”
“The Italian Serie A is a championship that is becoming more competitive and I have chosen to come here to continue playing at high levels.
“Florentia are a great team. I’m here to score because that’s my role, but I’m at the disposal of the coach and the team.
“I’ve been out for a year and I cannot wait to get back on the pitch, I’m hungry for goals and I hope to be ready for the match against Fiorentina”
Roche has made 50 appearances for the Ireland Women’s National Team scoring 7 goals. The striker will be hoping to shine for the Florence-based team and force her way back into Colin Bell’s national team plans. Her vast experience and quality will be welcomed as they bid to secure qualification to a major tournament for the first time.
With the exciting emergence of new young talent in the Irish set-up, Roche is more eager than ever to excel for her country. The striker who rose to fame after THAT goal for Peamount United against Wexford Youths has been quoted saying:
“The injury has made me want to push myself even more as corny as it sounds. I’m at an age now where I haven’t got made years left and I want to play for as long as I can.
“I want to look back on my Irish career and think I’ve done well and not that it ended just like that.”
Re-watch Stepahnie Roche’s phenomenal volley which earned her a FIFA Puskas Award-nomination.