The New York City of Major League Soccer (MLS) reported through a press release the departure of its historic defender, Maxime Chanot, who is leaving the team after more than seven years in its ranks to reinforce AC Ajaccio of the French Ligue 2; Throughout his career he played a total of 199 games in which he scored 10 goals and provided one assist in all competitions for the ‘Boys in Blue’.
According to information from the club, Chanot arrived in New York City in 2016 and quickly became a staple of the defense to become the player with the most appearances within the organization in its entire history; during the period that he defended the colors of the team he won an MLS Cup and a Champions Cup.
“I have made the difficult decision to return to Corsica. I left home when I was 14 years old, almost 20 years have passed, and I had the opportunity to play in front of my family, which I had never done before. Until this opportunity arose, I never thought I would leave New York City, I love it here and have spent the best years of my life here. When I first signed, I promised to leave the Club only after helping bring a championship to this great city and its passionate fans and I believe I have kept that promise,” he expressed.
“There are so many memories that I will take with me. I came here as a child, having the opportunity to play with legends of the game like David Villa, Andrea Pirlo, Frank Lampard, it was like a dream for me. The 2021 MLS Cup championship was like a Hollywood movie, winning the cup with that special group of players, after playing together for so long, is something I will always remember. Also, during my time in New York, not just on and off the court, I met a lot of wonderful people. I am proud to say that I am leaving this Club and this City as a man”, added the player.
Likewise, Chanot sent a message of thanks to the New York City fans for all the love and support they have given him for all these years; He assured that his heart will always remain defending the colors of the team from wherever he is in the world.
“To the fans, thank you for all the support you have given me during the last seven seasons, I have felt all your love. I want you to know that my heart is blue, I have given everything for this Club every day. I want to thank David Lee for supporting me and making me part of his family, also the City Football Group, all my teammates over the years and the managers I have been lucky enough to play for. I wish this Club all the best for the rest of this season and in the future I will be watching every game and cheering for them from afar”.
The Luxembourg international played a vital role in securing the club’s first silver medal in 2021. He featured in every minute of the playoff championship race, including a standout performance in the MLS Cup final in Portland. A year later, Chanot lifted another trophy for NYCFC, captaining the team to the 2022 Champions Cup, playing the full 90 minutes in a win over Mexican side Atlas FC.
“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with Maxime for the past seven seasons and we are sad to say goodbye to him and his family. He will be sorely missed at the training facility; the impact he has had for this Club, both on and off the pitch, cannot be underestimated,” said sporting director David Lee.
“Maxime will go down in history as a New York City legend, his leadership and impact was felt as soon as he arrived, it’s clear he cares deeply about this club and has made it his home. He has been with NYCFC during his prime and has brought the best years of his career to this organization,” he concluded.
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