Sligo Rovers snap up former Inter Milan and Roma prospect

Kevin Zefi is ready to “chip in” with the goals that drag Sligo Rovers up the Premier Division table. The former Inter Milan and Roma prospect has put pen to paper on a contract that keeps him with the Showgrounds side until the end of the season. Zefi, who moved from Shamrock Rovers to Serie A giants Inter in the summer of 2021, has been without a club since he left Roma last year. He trained last July with the Bit O’ Red and scored in a friendly against Mansfield, and was back in Sligo in recent weeks to train with John Russell’s side.

It is hoped that his international clearance comes through in time for Friday night’s game against Bohemians. Zefi (21) revealed last year that he suffered racist abuse at the hands not only of opposing players but from teammates too during his time in Italy. Born in Dublin to Albanian parents, he is looking to kick-start his career with the Premier Division side and is ready to make an instant impact. Zefi said: “John (Russell) gave me a huge opportunity to come up here and train with the team. “This place feels like home straight away and I feel I'm settling in already.

Once the offer was there, signing wasn't really a question. “The conversations I've had with the people at the club swayed me. The players, staff, volunteers. There was such a welcome for me from the first day and that was important both for myself and my family. “The lads here have a huge hunger and the ambition here both on and off the pitch is huge. That was a big attraction for me and it's a massive opportunity for me to make a difference. “We work hard and we have some really top lads who can play football.

I'm looking forward to adding to that in games. “I'm hoping to bring a lot of creativity in the final third here and chip in with assists and goals.” Zefi, an Ireland Under-21 cap who has been courted by Albania, has League of Ireland experience from his time at Shamrock Rovers. He played for the Hoops’ second team in the First Division during the 2020 season, making his debut at the age of 15. After an impressive debut at Under-17 level for Inter Milan, when he scored twice and provided three assists, he spent three years at the San Siro side before moving to Roma for a year. He watched his new club defeat his old employers last weekend at Tallaght Stadium and said: “It was a really good performance, particularly in the second half when we were calm and took our chances. “The three points were hugely deserved.

But looking forward, we're taking it game by game. “We have a great group here and we're looking to push on now with the Bohs game and then we'll look into the break and beyond. “I'm working hard to get up to speed with things and hopefully get going against Bohs.” Rovers boss John Russell has been keen on Zefi since last summer and is ready to help the youngster get back on track. “Kevin has been with us for training recently which has allowed me to have some conversations with him about his next step,” said Russell. “We both feel the Showgrounds and Sligo Rovers provides the ideal environment for him to progress his career. “I'm always looking to add quality to what we have here, especially in the final third. “Kevin is a player who would add creativity to any side so we're delighted he's opted to come in and be part of what we're building in Sligo.” Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the top stories and biggest headlines from Ireland and beyond .