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Winter signing strengthens the Lilies on the left side of defense
SV Darmstadt 98 have signed Raoul Petretta. The 28-year-old left-back joins the Lilies as a winter signing. Petretta was most recently under contract with Toronto FC , where his contract expired at the end of the year.
Sporting director Paul Fernie explained that signing a new left-back was a prerequisite for the previously completed loan move of Leon Klassen. Petretta, with his game intelligence, strength in build-up play, and ball control, fits the club's requirements perfectly. Furthermore, he possesses a strong tactical understanding and actively supports the defense.
Return to Europe
Raoul Petretta expressed his delight at his move to Darmstadt. After his contract in Toronto expired, his goal was to return to Europe. Having spent a long time at FC Basel, he had always followed German football and considered SV Darmstadt 98 an interesting club. Discussions with the club's management made his decision easier. He is now looking forward to getting to know his new teammates and joining the team for training.
International experience from several leagues
Petretta was born in Rheinfelden, Baden-Württemberg, and played for FC Basel from the age of six. He progressed through all of the club's youth teams and signed his first professional contract in 2017. He made a total of 152 appearances for Basel, including five in the Champions League and ten in the Europa League.
In the summer of 2022, the left-footed player moved to Turkish first division club Kasımpaşa SK , before joining Toronto FC in January 2023. In Canada, Petretta was a regular starter and made 85 appearances for the club from the metropolis.
Raoul Petretta will wear the number 18 jersey at SV Darmstadt 98.
(Darmstadt - Red/SV98)
Photos: SV98
