Diego Rossi joined the Columbus Crew last summer amid a busy summer transfer window for the Black & Gold. Rossi’s arrival came as a pleasant surprise as fans were coping with the shock departure of star midfielder Lucas Zelarayan to Al Fatah FC of the Saudi Pro League. 

Rossi returned to Major League Soccer in 2023 on the heels of a successful run at Fenerbahçe in the Turkish Süper Lig. During his time abroad, he won the Turkish Cup and finished runner-up in league play in back-to-back seasons. The 25-year-old striker returned to the states bringing his goal-scoring prowess and playmaking ability to a Columbus side that needed to fill a massive vacancy in the center of the park. 

Looking back, the deal was exactly what the Black & Gold needed as Rossi played a pivotal role in aiding the Crew in capturing its third MLS Cup. 

This season the Uruguayian gets a full preseason with his Columbus teammates, an opportunity he is taking full advantage of. 

“Last season, I didn’t have this time to prepare for the whole season,” Rossi said. “Yes, it’s good to be from the beginning of the season with the team, it’s an important part of the season. So it’s nice to be from the beginning with all of the teammates and it’s good that we have time to work, to prepare (for) the season.”

Columbus ended its 2023 campaign in the best way possible, by capturing its third league championship. As a result of its efforts, the Black & Gold will compete in additional tournaments like the CONCACAF Champions Cup and Leagues Cup. A deep run in those tournaments could see the Crew competing in well over 50 games. Despite that fact, Rossi and the club welcome the challenge. 

“For me, it’s good to have a lot of games because it means that you are doing great,” said Rossi of a potentially congested schedule. “You need to be focused on the season in every single competition if you want to compete in everyone. So that’s our idea that’s what we are preparing for. It’s gonna be a good year, yeah, let’s see how we do it.”