El Shaarawy joins Roma on initial loan deal from AC Milan

Stephan El Shaarawy has found a new home.

The 23-year-old has completed his move to Roma on loan from AC Milan until the end of the current campaign. He spent the first half of the season in France with Monaco, but failed to make an impression.

Roma confirmed it will pay €1.4 million for the initial loan deal. The capital club also has the option to make the switch permanent for €13 million more in the summer.

(Courtesy: ASRomaEN)

"I'm very determined and excited, Roma is a fresh start for me," El Shaarawy told Roma's official website. "I've come here with a lot of humility to try and turn my career around."

Milan CEO Adriano Galliani made it clear the Rossoneri wouldn't take back the winger once Monaco decided to cut short El Shaarawy's stay in the principality.

He made 24 appearances in all competitions for the Ligue 1 outfit, but managed to score just twice in the Europa League.

El Shaarawy said he sought a move back to Italy in an attempt to improve his chances of playing for the Azzurri in Euro 2016.

"You get noticed more in Italy. Plus the faith (sporting director Walter) Sabatini has shown in me was important," he said. "To be called up for the national team you need to be playing regularly at club level and to do that you need to work hard, be committed and show desire. My aim is to play well for Roma to achieve that."

Injuries derailed his progress after a breakout year with Milan in 2012-13. El Shaarawy scored 16 goals in 37 Serie A appearances that campaign, going large parts of the ensuing seasons without any tallies.

A move to Monaco last summer was meant to reignite his career. Instead, opportunities for El Shaarawy were scarce, and the club opted to sit him rather than trigger his €13-million buyout clause.