The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced that the club has inked Argentine midfielder Sebastián Grazzini. The 30-year old playmaker will be added to the Fire’s roster once the international transfer window opens on Friday, July 15 and upon the receipt of his P1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC). The Rosario, Argentina born player will arrive in Chicago Thursday afternoon and will be eligible for selection by interim head coach Frank Klopas when the Fire take on the Portland Timbers at TOYOTA PARK on Saturday, July 16 at 7:30 p.m. CT (CSN). Per MLS and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“We are excited to bring Sebastian to the Chicago Fire,” said Technical Director and interim head coach Frank Klopas. “Sebastian is a talented player, with good vision, the ability to create in the middle of the park and a strong left foot. Sebastian’s addition provides us with additional talent and helps us as we push for a playoff spot in the second half of the season.”
A product of the Central Cordoba youth setup, Grazzini brings a great deal of foreign club experience to the Fire, having played for Sevilla (Spain; 2003), Virton (Belgium 2003-04), Deportivo Italchaco (2006) and Sestrese (Italy; 2007-08). After short stints at the former two clubs, it was with the Venezuelan and Italian sides that the attacking midfielder made his mark, scoring six goals in 15 matches with Italchaco and 22 in 45 appearances with Sestrese.
Following his time in Italy, Grazzini returned to Argentina in 2008, where he played nine matches for Newell’s Old Boys, based in his hometown of Rosario. He then moved to Avellaneda side Racing Club, scoring five goals in 34 matches from 2009-10.
The attacking midfielder joins the Fire from Club Atletico All Boys where he played in 22 matches and bagged five goals for the suburban Buenos Aries club over the course of the 2010-11 Clausura and Apertura tournaments.
The Men in Red take on the expansion Portland Timbers in MLS action at TOYOTA PARK on Saturday, July 16 at 7:30 p.m. CT (CSN). Tickets are available by calling 1-888-MLS-FIRE (657-3473), or by heading to the club’s official website at Chicago-Fire.com.
Name: Sebastián Hugo Grazzini
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’11” (1.49m)
Weight: 165 lbs. (75kg)
Date of Birth: January 25, 1981
Place of Birth: Rosario, Argentina
Hometown: Rosario, Argentina
Citizenship: Argentina, Italy
Last Club: Club Atlético All Boys
Acquired: Signed by the Chicago Fire on July 13
