In the first part of a new regular feature, Swans MAD tracks down a Vetch Field hero from the recent past…who became the only Venezuelan to have ever played for Swansea City. His name – Giovanni Savarese.
Not many had heard of the Venezuelan International striker before he joined the Swans for the 2000/2001 campaign, and unsurprisingly, not many have heard from him since. Strong, athletic and an excellent finisher, Savarese netted 12 league goals in 31 starts for the club before moving on in the summer of 2001. Now, Swans MAD asks….
“Where in the world is Giovanni Savarese?”
Prior to joining Swansea City, Savarese was a big hit in North America, where he played for several different sides in the MLS. In 1996, the Venezuelan joined Metrostars, where he broke (and still holds) the all-time club goal-scoring record of 41. Leaving the club in 1998, Savarese was traded to New England Revolution and San Jose Earthquakes where he didn’t quite enjoy the same amount of success. Nevertheless, Giovanni Savarese left the MLS having scored a total of 51 goals, taking with him the third highest all time MLS goalscoring record and one All-Star appearance.
Arriving in Britain in the summer of 2000, Savarese joined the newly-promoted Swans under the management of John Hollins. The Venezuelan became an immediate hero with both goals at home to Stoke on the 14th October, before grabbing another brace against Bristol City soon after. Goals against Oldham, Cambridge, Walsall and Peterborough all followed before Savarese netted his one and only Swansea hat-trick at Kenilworth Road in February. Unbelievably, he still found himself on the wrong end of a 5-3 scoreline.
As with many of Swansea’s foreign recruits, the club’s relegation proved too much for Savarese and the Venezuelan left in the summer of 2001. After being linked with a number of foreign clubs, Millwall offered the striker a three-month contract with options to extend based on performances. Savarese moved to London, but found his opportunities limited at Millwall, making just one appearance as a substitute.
Savarese decided enough was enough and left Britain for good in December 2001. After several trials and the odd game here and there, Savarese decided it was time to return to the MLS. However, the MLS decided that they would reject Savarese’s demand for a three year deal due to a mixture of registration issues, foreign player rulings, etc and Savarese found himself in limbo once more.
In mid-July 2002, Savarese looked set to return to his home country to play for Deportivo Italchacao, but this move was hijacked at the 11th hour by the MLS. The American association decided to allow the Venezuelan to return to the league on a loan basis until the new year. However, MLS pulled out again at the last minute, leaving Savarese free to join Deportivo (Ven).
After a successful season in Venezuela, Giovanni decided to move on once more, joining Sassari Torres of Italy in 2003. Serie C clearly didn’t work for Savarese, as in February 2004, the club cancelled his contract by mutual consent.
And now we come to the final chapter of Savarese’s career so far. Just last week, Long Island Rough Riders announced that they had signed the Venezuelan on a free transfer. He made his debut almost immediately and scored his first goals on July 7th, just 10 days before his 33rd birthday.
Swansea fans only knew him for one season, but since Savarese graced the famous Vetch Field turf, he has represented teams in Venezuela, Italy and America and scored goals for his national side in World Cup Qualifying ties. In MLS, he is regarded as a legend. Still holding a high position in American record books, it appears that Savarese set the standard for all other American strikers to follow.
Its just a real shame that Savarese didn’t prolong his stay at the Vetch and show us a little more of what he is capable of.
Previous Clubs:
Long Island University, Long Island Rough Riders, Metrostars, New England Revolution, San Jose Earthquakes, Swansea City, Millwall, Deportivo Italchacao (Ven), Sassari Torres (Ita).
Many thanks to Long Island Rough Riders for their help in creating this article.
