Giorgio Chiellini remains in Los Angeles Football Club as player development coach. After one month of announcing his retirement from playing on the field, he will assist coach Steve Cherundolo in aspects of the first team player development.
“We were thankful to have Giorgio play the final 18 months of his playing career with LAFC,” team 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.”
When he announced his retirement days after the final, it was understood he would likely remain in Los Angeles until the summer to allow his daughter to finish the school year. The Black and Gold didn’t mention how long the club expects Chiellini to serve in this role.
Chiellini played his final game in the MLS Cup last month losing to Columbus Crew 2-1. He spent one season and a half in Los Angeles scoring just one goal in a 3-2 victory against Portland Timbers on March 4, 2023. Therefore, he was named Team of the Matchday.
He had a remarkable 18 years at Juventus he won nine Serie A titles, four Coppa Italias, five Supercoppa Italiana, and two Champions League runners-up. In his international career, he won the Euro 2020 and lost the Euro 2012 final to Spain 4-0. He also appeared in the 2010 and 2014 World Cup and scored a total of eight goals and four assists in his time with the Italy national team.
During his spell in Los Angeles, Chiellini made 45 appearances, 38 starts in all competitions. He helped lead the Black and Gold to win the 2022 Supporters Shield, two Western Conference titles, and the 2022 MLS Cup. Chiellini retired as one of the most decorated and respected defenders.
LAFC’s first game of the 2024 MLS season begins on Feb. 24 at the BMO Stadium versus Seattle Sounders FC.
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