After weeks of reports and speculation, Giorgio Chiellini’s free summer move to Major League Soccer has been finalized as the Italy international and long-time Juventus player, will join Los Angeles FC this summer.
LAFC signed the veteran defender to a contract through the end of the 2023 MLS season. The timing of the move is significant as this summer move won’t count as LAFC’s third and final designated player slot.
Giorgio Chiellini is Black & Gold.
— LAFC (@LAFC) June 13, 2022
🤝 #LAFC Transfers presented by @remitly.
The 37-year old will bring loads of experience to LAFC and is expected to help the club capture its first MLS Cup title. The defender won oodles of hardware during his time at Juventus in Serie A. Chiellini won a record nine Scudettos (Italian Serie A Champions), five Coppa Italia trophies and last summer helped Italy claim the Euro 2020 championship.
With his time coming to an end at Juventus, Chiellini also announced he is retiring from the Azzurri this summer. The grizzled hardman garnered a total of 117 caps with his last match coming against Argentina in the 2022 Finalissima.
LAFC presently sits atop the Western Conference in MLS and the club is in the chase for the Supporters Shield, a trophy awarded to the team with the most points at the end of each campaign.
Los Angeles FC already boasts a strong defensive core, and is tied for sixth fewest goals conceded in MLS, allowing a total of 16 goals against in 14 games played. The back end of LAFC is a talented group. Chiellini will be working alongside Colombian veteran Jesus Murillo and Canadian international Doneil Henry.