In the 2013 began a love story that lasted for 17 years and will now continue from a distance. Giorgio Chiellini stopped being a Juventus FC player to bring his experience and hierarchy to Major League Soccer with Los Angeles Football Club.
With 37 years old, the lanky Italian central defender is likely to take perhaps his last experience as a professional footballer in a league that is in full swing. He decided to go to Los Angeles FC and feels that they are the ideal team to continue his career.
“I’m excited. It is a new chapter of my life (…). I am completely convinced that this team is the perfect team for me”, the defender told the media in his official presentation with the Californian club.
There, the directors of the Los Angeles club welcomed him and gave him his new black shirt with gold details and the number 14 on his back.
“I have begun to understand the organization behind this club. They really loved me. I had this feeling from the beginning and I am very proud to be here. I am sure that I can contribute things to this team, but I am totally convinced that I will receive much more than I give”, he pointed out.
Chiellini is a born winner, he raised nine Serie A Scudettos with Juventus and arrives at LAFC with the mission of trying to lead them to conquer their first league in the MLS.
“No I want to be the best player on the team. I want to be Giorgio, I want to help the team (…). I want to add my skills, my energy and my experience,” Chiellini said. He wants to be seen as “a good guy who gives one hundred percent every day.”
Historically, high-profile strikers arrive in the MLS and not defenders with the hierarchy that Chiellini has, that’s why he spoke with irony on the subject.
“Forwards are used to sell tickets, but defenders are used to win leagues”, he commented with a laugh.
He is happy for the renewal of Carlos Vela
Changes are blowing in Los Angeles FC thanks to the arrivals of Chiellini and Gareth Bale. However, regardless of the signings, the team made the link of Carlos Vela official until 2013. He is the historical goalscorer, captain and designated player of the institution. He will continue to be the leader.
“I am very happy with the renewal of Carlos (Vela). Of course, this is a sign that he wants to stay and win with this team”, Chiellini pointed out in the presentation.
In that sense, he pointed out that he and Vela should guide the team in “a good mix of experience and enthusiasm.
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2022