This morning Associazione Sportiva Roma (A.S Roma) announced the signing of USMNT player Michael Bradley from Chievo Verona. Roma dealt €3.75M to Chievo to obtain the services of the American star. Bradley, who is 24 years old, has signed a contract extension which will keep him with the Giallorossi until 2016. After weeks of flirtation and courtship this transfer has finally come through. Bradley has been rumored to move to a bigger club since the season ended. Bradley had a phenomenal season in Verona, making 34 appearances and was arguably the team’s most effective player. He showed a superb ability to manage a game, control the tempo and jump-start the attack. Bradley had been scouted by many teams throughout Europe.
Bradley has done much traveling since he left the New York Metrostars in ’06. He transferred from MLS to the Netherlands playing for SC Heerenveen. Shortly after the transfer, Bradley began making USMNT appearances under his father. After two years in the Netherlands he made the switch to Germany playing for Borussia Monchengladbach. During his stay at Gladbach, Bradley became a fixture for the national team. After an unsuccessful loan spell in the EPL with Aston Villa, Bradley moved to Chievo Verona.
A.S. Roma finished 7th in the Serie A and are looking to make a run at the top four this year. This is a significant step up for Bradley whose Flying Donkey’s finished 10th in the same league. Lots of departures from the Serie A may make Roma’s goals more achievable. With AC Milan, Lazio, Napoli, all losing big name players and Inter getting older, Roma’s chances are greatly improved.
Roma have recently gained a very strong American presence. With American owners an American star, Roma are clearly America’s team in Italy. USMNT fans will be able to see Bradley when Roma starts their preseason American tour. Roma take on Polish side Zaglebie Lubin in Chicago on July 22, then Liverpool in Boston on the 25th and El Salvador at Red Bull Arena on July 27.
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