Moved back to native Canada
Osaze De Rosario was one of more than 70 top division players who turned their backs on Ukraine’s Premier League because of the Russian war of aggression. The 20-year-old center forward only switched to Rukh Lviv – his first professional stop – in September last year before returning to his native Canada a few months later.
“I left Ukraine a week before the actual conflict started, so I was lucky in a lot of ways,” De Rosario said in an interview with Transfermarkt.us, whose contract was officially canceled nine days before the Russians invaded. However, he was stuck in the country for a few more days before he could cross the border. He was certainly aware, though: “Other people weren’t so lucky.”
Special transfer window: Notable players who left Ukraine and Russia
Months earlier, the first steps towards a possible farewell had been taken, reported his father Dwayne De Rosario, a former Canadian national team player and former FSV Zwickau midfielder. “Talks began around early November when rumors of a possible war began to surface. When the US advised everyone living in Ukraine to leave the country, I knew we had to do something immediately.”
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De Rosario’s contract termination at Rukh Lviv ‘not an easy process’
The 43-year-old asked the Germany-based player agency DC International, which has strong networks in Canada, for help. Both parties worked together to ensure that the attacker came out of his working paper with Rukh, which was originally valid for another three years. “It wasn’t an easy process,” said consultant Jeremy Dow. “In the end, everyone was happy that Osaze was able to terminate his contract in Ukraine by mutual agreement.” On February 16, the club and the player officially announced the end of their collaboration. “The joint effort was worth it,” said De Rosario Junior, and his father was also relieved: “I’m glad he’s back.”
Still, the time in Ukraine was a valuable lesson for the 1.87m forward, who trained with Spain’s LaLiga 2 side CD Lugo before joining Spain’s LaLiga 2 side CD Lugo – albeit only making two appearances for Lviv. “It was a great experience playing in Ukraine and developing myself there.”
De Rosario back at York United: ‘It was easy to give Osaze a chance’
Since the transfer window in Europe was closed at the time – FIFA’s special transfer period for foreign professionals in Russia and Ukraine only came into effect later – the Canadian had to look elsewhere for a new employer. Again, DC International was helpful. The agency assessed the situation and concluded that a move to the Canadian Premier League would make the most sense at this stage in the young forward’s career, although other options opened up later in Europe.
The agency found a new club in York United for De Rosario, who, after training there, signed a contract until the end of the year. “It was easy to give Osaze a chance as his profile fits what we are looking for as a club,” said general manager Angus McNab. “Martin (Nash, York United manager; ed.) and I were in regular contact during the pre-season and it was clear that Osaze was working hard and had earned a place in the squad.” The transfer paid off immediately , as De Rosario has scored three goals and one assist in his first five games for York United. His performances caused a sensation not only in Canada but also in the United States. “It feels good,” he explained with a smile. “But scoring goals is not everything, the success of the whole club is the most important thing.”
Canada or USA? De Rosario: “It would be an honor to play for either country”
In addition to the Canadian one, De Rosario also has a US passport, so when asked about his national team career, he did not want to commit himself. “It would be an honor to play for either country,” he said simply.
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During his playing career, his father played 81 games for Canada, in which he scored 22 goals, making him the country’s all-time record scorer. The 20-year-old admitted he felt some pressure to carry the De Rosario family name as a result. “It’s like being the chosen one.” But he also emphasized that having a father like that is a huge advantage. “Experience can’t be bought, so it’s always good to have a chance to talk to him.” For Dwayne De Rosario, though, his son has to make his own decisions. “Don’t be fooled, it’s his journey and he goes his own way, I just support him in his passion.”
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