Belgian center back Laurent Ciman is ending his stint with LAFC after just 22 games. Ciman confirmed on Tuesday that he is leaving Los Angeles and will make a move to Ligue 1’s Dijon. Reportedly, the 33-year-old signed a two-year contract with the French club, while LAFC will receive $500,000 in compensation.
Following the transfer, Laurent Ciman issued a statement on his social media and thanked the team and LAFC fans for the support.
“As you may have heard, we are leaving L.A. for France,” – Ciman wrote. “I want to thank LAFC fans for embracing me, supporting me, and making me feel like family in ways that exceeded my every expectation. I’ll always keep LAFC fans in my heart.“
“To LAFC fans and the organization, my gratitude, and love forever. I’ve been honored to be your first captain, to have scored our first goal at Banc of California Stadium and to be a part of the LAFC family,” – he added.
Laurent Ciman emerged as one of the best MLS center backs during his time with Montreal Impact, where he played from 2015 to 2017. He was traded to LAFC in December 2017, in exchange for Raheem Edwards and Jukka Raitala.
Prior to coming to MLS, Ciman played for several Belgian clubs including RSC Charleroi, Club Brugge, and Standard Liege. He was also a member of Belgian national soccer team, for which he played 20 games and scored once.
