One of the Vancouver Whitecaps’ best players is on his way out of town and returning to Europe.
The Whitecaps confirmed Wednesday that midfielder Davide Chiumiento has been transferred to FC Zurich in his native Switzerland, thus ending a two-year relationship between the Major League Soccer club and the player dubbed the “Swiss Ronaldinho.”
Sources tell Sportsnet.ca that Chiumiento has left Whitecaps to play with a club in Europe. Whitecaps to make official announcement shortly.
— John Molinaro (@JohnMolinaro) July 11, 2012
The Whitecaps did not reveal the amount of the transfer fee involved.
“Davide has been a very good player and ambassador for Whitecaps FC during his time with the club,” Whitecaps coach Martin Rennie said in a statement.
“This is a great opportunity for him to be closer to his family while continuing his soccer career. We would like to thank Davide for all of his contributions to the club and wish him the best of luck in the future.”
Chiumiento, 27, has been one of Vancouver’s standout performers since making his MLS debut in 2011, earning plaudits for his bright attacking play, dribbling ability and playmaking skills.
Still, there were criticisms at times last year regarding his attitude and work ethic, and questions about his fitness levels. Rennie challenged the Swiss to up his game at the start of the 2012 campaign, and Chiumiento duly responded with a renewed vigour.
He didn’t voice his displeasure during a stretch early this season when he was limited to eight minutes in three MLS games. Instead, he kept his head down and worked his way back into Vancouver’s starting lineup.
Chiumiento played in 16 MLS matches this season, with no goals and five assists. He leaves Vancouver with two goals and 14 assists in 42 league appearances. He played the full 90 minutes of a 0-0 draw against Chivas USA on Saturday, which turned out to be his final appearance for the Whitecaps.
He previously played with Juventus and Siena in Italy, French club Le Mans, and Swiss outfits Young Boys and Lucerne before joining Vancouver in 2010 when it was still competing in the NASL. The Swiss playmaker re-signed with the Whitecaps in 2011 when the Canadian club graduated from the second-tier NASL to MLS.
The Whitecaps are in Toronto to take on TFC Wednesday night in MLS play. Chiumiento did not travel with the Whitecaps to Toronto.
“I have really enjoyed my time in Vancouver and I would like to thank the fans, the club, and my teammates for all of their support,” Chiumiento said in a news release. “It’s been two great years but now I look forward to the next chapter of my career, which will fortunately bring me closer to my family.”
Chiumiento’s transfer could be a sign that the Whitecaps are about to make a roster signing, as his departure frees up a roster place, an international spot and lots of salary cap space – Chiumiento was earning $300,000 US per season.