Los Angeles Football Club acquired the services of the Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini. Chiellini is addition to the club bring some hope to the LAFC's young roster to provide that experience in hope to capture their first MLS Championship.
Chiellini has been the Juventus legend and Italian national team captain and is a highly intelligent center back.
“This is a day clubs dream of and a day I’ve dreamt of since starting here,” LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington said Wednesday while introducing Chiellini. “We’re welcoming a player who has had unprecedented success in the global game.
“We know exactly what Giorgio will bring to LAFC because it will be what he’s brought to every single team he’s played on, which is to do absolutely everything he can to lead his team to victory. To championships.”
Chiellini was considering retirement following Italy’s stunning loss in a World Cup qualifying playoff match against North Macedonia in the spring. Chiellini knew his 17-year run at Juventus, where he had trophies including nine consecutive league titles starting in 2011, was at an end. But the three-time Serie A Defender of the Year believed he could play at a high level after leading his country to a European Championship in 2020, earning recognition as defender of the tournament.
“From the first time I started to talk to Will and John I am fully convinced that this club is perfect for me,” Chiellini said while answering questions in English after waking in the dead of night to catch a 13-hour flight to the U.S. so he could be introduced at Banc of California Stadium. “I started to understand the organization behind the club and they really want me.
“Honestly, it was not so easy convincing Juventus or convincing my wife to do this big change, but in the end, I am here.”
