Declan Devine insists former Bournemouth defender Zeno Ibsen Rossi has “all the qualities we wanted” after joining Glentoran amid “strong interest from clubs across the UK and Ireland”.
Rossi played four times in the Championship for the Cherries after joining from Southampton and also enjoyed loan spells with Kilmarnock and Dundee during his time on Bournemouth’s books.
The 25-year-old made a move to Cambridge United in 2022 and racked up 37 appearances across League One and League Two before joining League of Ireland outfit Shelbourne on loan ahead of the current campaign.
He has played 10 times in the Premier Division for Shels, scoring one goal, but is now set to make a move to the Irish League, becoming Devine’s second summer signing after Greg Sloggett.
Zeno Ibsen Rossi has completed a move to Glentoran after signing a long-term contract at The BetMcLean Oval. (Photo by Glentoran FC)placeholder image
Zeno Ibsen Rossi has completed a move to Glentoran after signing a long-term contract at The BetMcLean Oval. (Photo by Glentoran FC)
"Bringing another centre-half into the squad was one of our priorities this summer, so we're delighted to get Zeno through the door,” said Devine. "Paddy (McCourt) and I have watched him on a number of occasions over the last few years, both in England and more recently in the League of Ireland, so we know exactly the type of player we're bringing in.
“He's someone we've liked for a long time and, when the opportunity came up, we felt it was one we had to move on.
"He's got all the qualities we wanted. He's strong, athletic, comfortable on the ball and he's played a lot of senior football for someone who's still only 25.
"Just as importantly, he's a competitor. He enjoys defending, he's good in both boxes and he has the character to cope with the demands that come with playing for a club like Glentoran.
"We've got good competition across the squad and it's important we continue to add quality in key areas. Zeno gives us that.
"He'll strengthen us defensively, he'll bring experience into the group and I believe he'll be a really important player for us over the coming seasons.”
Rossi is determined to play his part in delivering silverware success and insists the club’s ambition was a huge factor in his decision.
"I'm absolutely delighted to be here,” he said. “Glentoran is a massive football club with a brilliant history and, once I spoke to Declan, Paddy and Paul, I knew it was the right place for me.
"It was clear from those conversations how ambitious everyone is and what the Club is looking to achieve.
"As a player, that's exactly the sort of environment you want to be in. You want to be competing at the top end of the table, challenging for trophies and playing in big games, and that's what attracted me to Glentoran.
"I've reached a stage in my career where I want to keep pushing myself and taking on new challenges.
" I feel I've developed a lot over the last few years playing in England, Scotland and Ireland, and now I'm looking forward to bringing that experience here and doing everything I can to help the team be successful.
"I know what this football club means to its supporters and the expectations that come with wearing the shirt.
"I'm excited to get started, play in front of the fans at The Oval and hopefully create some special memories together over the next few years."