Chiellini: “Attackers sell tickets but defenders win the league”
The former Juventus defender was welcomed to Los Angeles with a press conference held at the Banc of California stadium and talked about his objectives in MLS.
Giorgio Chiellini was formally introduced as a Los Angeles Football Club player and he will be wearing the No. 14 jersey during the 2022 Major League Soccer campaign. The Italian defender is eager to join the rest of the team in practice and he will be available to make his MLS debut at the Banc of California stadium on 8 July against the Los Angeles Galaxy.
“I hope to -- I’m sure I can bring something to this club, but I am fully convinced that I receive more than what I bring. I hope to lift some trophy because it’s my goal, it’s our goal. It’s the team’s, the club’s goal. I read in the United States that the attackers sell tickets and the defense win the league” said Chiellini during the press conference.
The challenge of playing in MLS
Many international players have come to MLS and still have a hard time adjusting to the league. Others underestimate the level of the league and quickly learn that they need to put in the work to become one of the best. Chiellini arrives at the best team currently in Major League Soccer and he is aware of the level of every team.
“Yeah, I know about the difficulty across different conditions, and those are problems. I think also the artificial grass is still a problem, which could be solved as soon as possible because for football we need a stadium and pitch like this. Surely as I’ve said before, I hope to reduce the time I have to adapt because surely I need, and the most important thing is my teammates have to help me in the first time.
But I want to improve every day. This is my value from the beginning of my career, from the beginning, and then I hope also in this league to continue to improve and add something more to my -- sorry. It’s not perfect but you understand,” added Chiellini.
On playing alongside Carlos Vela
“Yeah, I’m very happy to Carlos re-sign and also talked with John and Steve, and surely it’s a signal he wants to stay here and win with his team. Carlos was the first player of this club, and he made the history of the club and I’m very happy for he’s re-sign, and I hope to have a good relationship with him in order to help how our young team needs to raise their level,” he concluded.