John Carew has returned for a second crack at Serie A. Almost ten years after leaving AS Roma, the 33-year-old has put down his video camera and his retirement plans on hold, to answer Inter's SOS for a new striker.
John Carew tries out for Inter Milan
The Nerazzurri are running the rule over the tall Norwegian, as they look at replacements for the injured Diego Milito.
Ben Hoskins
Since Milto was ruled out for six months with a knee ligament injury, the San Siro outfit have been left a bit light in the attacking department. With promising youngster Marko Livaja out on loan at Atalanta, the club only have Antonio Cassano, Rodrigo Palacio and Tommaso Rocchi as recognised fowards.
Carew has been without a club since leaving West Ham United last summer. Just like the deal which took Louis Saha to Lazio, the veteran is able to move outside the transfer window because he is out of contract. However, he is ineligible to play in the Europa League.
After scoring six goals during a loan spell at Roma in the 2003-04 season, Carew has stated: “This is a great opportunity for me. I am ready to play, as over the last few months I have trained regularly and so am in good shape.”
He added: “I travelled, I also made a film, but now I am ready to give my best for Inter. I was not expecting this call, but life is full of surprises.”
Given Carew's age, Inter President Massimo Moratti revealed that the move is initially just a trial, but is leaving the door open after that. He said: "Carew will remain here for a 15-day trial period. After 15 days, we will decide whether to keep him in the squad."
Inter have reportedly been linked with summer moves for Manchester City's Carlos Tevez and promising Sampdoria forward Mauro Icardi. For now, it looks as though Carew will be the perfect stop gap and the move has met with the approval of Coach Andrea Stramaccioni.
He said: “I think that with Milito’s injury the club wanted to look around to see if there’s a certain type of player who might fit our purposes. Obviously we’re talking about free agents within a certain date, so the options are limited. Our directors have identified that type of player in Carew and now he’s going to have a trial with us, then we’ll decide whether to sign him or not. It’s a fairly normal procedure in other countries.”
The Journeyman striker started his career in his native country at Valerenga and Rosenborg. He then enjoyed stints at Valencia, Roma, Besiktas and Lyon before moving to the Premier League. After netting a career high 37 goals in four years at Aston Villa, Carew had a loan spell at Stoke City, then spent last season at West Ham. He has 24 goals in 91 appearances for Norway.
See More:
