Amauri: “I look forward to helping the team win yet another championship.” (Photo courtesy of the Cosmos)
NEW YORK — The Cosmos announced Tuesday they have agreed to terms with Italian striker Amauri.
Amauri, who is training with the two-time defending North American Soccer League, is to undergo a physical and his contract is awaiting league approval.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“The New York Cosmos is one of the most storied soccer clubs in the world, as well as the defending NASL Champions,” Amauri said. “I look forward to helping the team win yet another championship.”
After growing up in Brazil and leaving Santa Catarina Clube, the 36-year-old Amauri made his name in Italy.
He went on to play for renowned clubs in Italy such as Juventus, Napoli and Fiorentina, scoring over 80 goals over 16 years in SerieA and making one appearance with the Italian national team.
Last August Amauri joined the Fort Lauderdale Strikers and tallied five goals and one assist in 826 minutes.
“Amauri has had an extended career in European soccer and his experience will definitely be an asset to the club,” Cosmos head coach and sporting director Giovanni Savarese said. “He is a difficult forward to play against because of his size, speed and technique.”
The Italian striker trained with the Cosmos at Columbia University Tuesday and looked far from match fit during a scrimmage at the school’s bubble.
Savarese wasn’t concerned, saying that Amauri had only two training sessions with the team.
“He said for the 25th that he will be ready,” said Savarese, referring to the Cosmos’ season-opener at Puerto Rico FC March 25.
“He’s hungry. He wants to show. He wants to have a successful experience with the Cosmos.”