LAFC transfers forward Cristian Arango to C.F. Pachuca of Mexico’s Liga MX
Announced today, LAFC transfers forward Cristian Arango to C.F. Pachuca of Mexico’s Liga MX, the country’s top professional football division.
“We knew coming out of a successful 2022, we would need to make a major move, and likely a difficult decision ahead of roster compliance,” said LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington as LAFC transfers forward Cristian Arango. “We evaluated all possibilities and this transfer provides the needed resources and flexibility to continue our ambition of winning trophies. Whenever possible, we work with the player, as we did in this case upon receiving Chicho’s request. Chicho will forever remain an important part of LAFC, and we wish him and his family all the best in the next stage of his career at Pachuca.”
At 27 years of age, Chico made the move from Colombia’s Millonarios F.C. to the LAFC on August 2, 2021, and he immediately shifted the club’s culture by winning the 2021 MLS Newcomer of the Year Award after scoring 14 goals and recording two assists over the course of his first 17 games. Chicho leaves LAFC as the third-highest scorer in the club’s history with 30 goals in 51 MLS regular season games, just behind Diego Rossi (59 goals in 121 games) and Carlos Vela (79 goals in 139 games).
“I am very grateful to everyone at LAFC,” said Chicho. “Thank you to all the fans and to the 3252 for all of the beautiful moments we were able to share, and for us to become champions together.”
After a standout 2022 season in which he helped LAFC win the Supporters’ Shield and the MLS Cup trophy, the Colombian international was named a finalist for the 2022 MLS MVP award. Chicho scored the game-winning goal in the 93rd minute of the Western Conference Semifinal to defeat the LA Galaxy 3-2. We’ll never forget that day.
As LAFC transfers Forward Cristian Arango, we’ll hold onto the memories of Chicho as he’ll forever be a legendary player for the Black and Gold.
