Legendary defender Giorgio Chiellini may have announced his retirement from football as a player, but that doesn’t mean he is done imparting his wisdom on the next generation of footballers. Today, LAFC announced they are keeping Chiellini in Los Angeles, signing him on as their next Player Development Coach.
đź“° Legendary defender and former #LAFC player Giorgio Chiellini will remain with LAFC as a Player Development Coach.
đź”— https://t.co/qpgB2fP2so pic.twitter.com/FFNChsd6mL
— LAFC (@LAFC) January 16, 2024
“We were thankful to have Giorgio play the final 18 months of his playing career with LAFC,” LAFC Co-President & GM John Thorrington said in a statement. “During that time he proved what an asset he is for LAFC in a number of ways, and we are excited to add a truly brilliant football mind, incredible leader and an even better person to our staff for the upcoming season.”
In his new role, Chiellini will work with LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo and the coaching staff to assist in first team player development. Chiellini, 39, joined LAFC on June 13, 2022, after an illustrious career with Serie A side Juventus FC, where he spent nearly 18 years leading the Club in an unprecedented run that included nine consecutive Serie A titles from 2011-2020. A three-time Serie A Defender of the Year, Chiellini was named to the Italian League’s Team of the Year five straight times from 2012-2018, in addition to winning five Italian Cups and five Italian Super Cups.
During his time in Los Angeles, Chiellini made 45 appearances (38 starts) across all competitions, including seven MLS Cup Playoff appearances, and three appearances in the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2023 Concacaf Champions League. Chiellini helped lead the Black & Gold to the 2022 Supporters’ Shield, two Western Conference titles (2022 & 2023), the 2022 MLS Cup, and two runner-up finishes in the 2023 Concacaf Champions League, 2023 Campeones Cup, and 2023 MLS Cup.
Chiellini is one of the bonified legends of soccer, and one of the best defenders the sport has ever seen. The knowledge he brings is invaluable. With LAFC set for a bit of a rebuild, and some younger talent having to likely step up, Giorgio being around is a huge get for the black & gold. It may not be the signing news fans are rabid for, but its a solid addition to the staff to help prepare the future of LAFC.
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