Levante have beaten a host of Spanish clubs to the signing of Italian striker Giuseppe Rossi, who has joined on loan from Fiorentina until the end of the season.
The Italian international, formerly of Manchester United, joined Fiorentina in the summer of 2013 following six years with Villarreal.
The American-born attacker has struggled with injury throughout his time in Florence, however, and has only started four league matches this season after returning from a knee problem.
A number of Spanish sides were linked with the 28-year-old, but Levante, who are bottom of the La Liga table, have acquired his signature.
"I'm the first to be disappointed because I owe a debt to the Fiorentina fans. I gave my all in everything I've done, from therapy to training in recent times, because I wanted to continue to give them emotions on the pitch. But it's hard to do when chances are few and far between," Rossi posted on Twitter after leaving Fiorentina.
"Football is life for me, and if you take that away from me I can never be happy. I hope that you and the Fiorentina fans can understand me because I want to smile again. I'll always keep the Viola in my heart, and I can never forget the goosebumps you gave me on Sundays."
Rossi could make his debut for Levante in their La Liga clash with Las Palmas on Monday night.
Matt Law
