UPDATE (June 13, 12:10 pm ET) – LAFC have signed Italian center back Giorgio Chiellini as he departs a legendary career at Serie A side Juventus, the club announced Monday.
Chiellini, 37, joins through 2023 on a contract using Targeted Allocation Money (TAM). He’ll occupy an international roster slot.
Chiellini will be formally introduced at a press conference on June 29 at Banc of California Stadium.
“Giorgio is a special, one-of-a-kind player and person,” LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington said in a release. “Signing Giorgio was a unique opportunity to improve our club. He will complement what we believe is already a strong team as every day he will set the right example with his leadership, competitiveness, and experience. He is a serial winner at the highest levels, and we are grateful he has chosen LAFC to join in our pursuit of trophies.”
The defender spent 17 years at Juventus, where he won nine consecutive Serie A titles from 2011-2020 and was named a three-time Serie A Defender of The Year.Â
He’s played 117 times for Italy, helping lead the Azzurri to the 2020 European Championship where he was recognized as the Defender of the Tournament. He’s played in the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups.
“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.”Â
Chiellini joins an LAFC side that’s atop the MLS Supporters’ Shield standings. Â
“Giorgio’s experience will be invaluable to us,” head coach Steve Cherundolo said. “He is one of the top defenders to ever play, he brings a deep knowledge of the game and an ability to have an impact on our young players both on and off the field. His addition is the perfect supplement to the work we are doing every day.”
UPDATE (June 13, 8:15 am ET) – Giorgio Chiellini's summertime move from Juventus to LAFC appears complete, with the Italian national team center back sharing a rather telling video on Monday morning.
He's seen wearing an LAFC hat and top, posing in the club's trademark signing reveal style.
Need more confirmation? Chiellini calls it "The Next Chapter," and LAFC also retweeted it.
Various reports have stated Chiellini would arrive on a Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) deal and sign through 2023.
UPDATE (June 1) – Italy national team defender Giorgio Chiellini is set to change Juventus colors for LAFC’s black and gold, according to a report from Fabrizio Romano.
The 37-year-old center back has been linked to manager Steve Cherundolo’s side for several weeks, with Romano noting that Chiellini’s deal is just about completed.
Chiellini is one of the most accomplished defenders of his generation, captaining both Juventus and Italy. He joined the Serie A giants in 2004 and won nine league titles with them, plus captured the Euro 2020 championship.
LAFC currently sit atop the MLS Supporters’ Shield race entering the June international break. They have one of MLS’s deepest center back corps as highlighted by Jesus David Murillo and Mamadou Fall.
ORIGINAL (April 21) – Italy captain and Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini is considering leaving the Serie A club at the end of the season and making a move to Major League Soccer, Fabrizio Romano reported Thursday.
The experienced center back's current deal with Juventus expires in June 2022, making him a potential option for clubs to sign during the MLS Secondary Transfer Window, which begins July 7.
This is not the first time Chiellini's name has been floated in MLS circles. He is close friends with former Toronto FC star and 2015 MLS Landon Donovan MVP Sebastian Giovinco, and spoke about how happy he was for his friend's career in the league during the 2018 MLS All-Star Game.
Italy teammate Lorenzo Insigne is also making his way across the pond July 1 to join Toronto FC, and the 37-year-old could be interested in following his fellow countryman's footsteps with a similar move to the league.
Chiellini has played his entire career in Italy up to this point, earning his first professional minutes with Serie B Livorno at age 17 back in 2002. He then had a quick stint with Fiorentina before signing with Juventus, where he has remained for the subsequent 17 seasons.
The legendary defender is a nine-time Serie A champion and was named to the 2017 UEFA Team of the Year. He's played in 505 club matches, recording 33 goals and 21 assists.
At the international level, Chiellini has 116 appearances with Italy, including playing in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups. He was also captain of the Azzurri team that won UEFA Euro 2020.
