When will Giorgio Chiellini make his debut with LAFC?
The Major League Soccer side confirmed that the legendary Juventus and Italian defender will join LAFC on a TAM contract.
After weeks of speculation it has been confirmed that Giorgio Chiellini will join Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) on a Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) contract that will run though 2023, meaning he will earn less than $2 million per season. The 37-year-old Italian defender will be formally introduced at a press conference on 29 June at the Banc of California stadium.
“I felt very strongly about this new chapter in my career, and I am grateful to LAFC for this opportunity,” said Chiellini. “I’m thankful for all my years with Juventus and I’m looking forward to winning many more trophies in Los Angeles.”
Chiellini to make his MLS debut in July
Chiellini will occupy an international roster spot once his P1 Via and International Transfer Certificate (ITC) arrives and he is expected to make his debut in early-July. This means that the legendary Italian defender won’t be available for the games against Seattle (18 June), NY Red Bulls (26 June) and FC Dallas (29 June).
The former Juventus defender could make his debut on the road against Vancouver (2 July) or at the Banc of California stadium when LAFC hosts LA Galaxy (18 July) in the second El Tráfico of the 2022 MLS regular season. Chiellini also arrives to the best team in Major League Soccer after 14 weeks of the current campaign and to a defense that has only allowed 16 goals in 14 games.
LAFC coach, Steve Cherundolo, is pleased with the arrival of Chiellini because of the leadership he can bring to a young defense. Cherundolo has using rotating three centerbacks so far this season and it is expected that Chiellini assumes a starting role alongside Jesús Murillo.