Chivas USA signs French midfielder Laurent Courtois
Carson, CA. (Thursday, August 4, 2011) – Chivas USA announced today that it has signed Laurent Courtois, who until last May played for Grenoble (also known as Grenoble Foot 38) in the Southeastern region of France.
“We are very excited about having this player. We’re looking for the best soccer players we can find, and we’ve found this guy who we think is going to enhance our team,” said Chivas USA Head Coach Robin Fraser. “He´s very comfortable on the ball; been in a number of situations in big games in Europe. When you look at our group, one of the things we want to add is experience and maturity.”
“Laurent has played in the top leagues in France and Spain. He is tremendously experienced. He has a very good first touch, is a good passer, and is a very intelligent and experienced soccer player whom we’re extremely excited to have,” Coach Fraser added.
Laurent Courtois a 32 year-old veteran, originally from Lyon (France), has a wealth of club experience playing for the French club Grenoble (2008-2011), the Spanish club Levante (2005-2008), the Istres in France (2003-2005), as well as West Ham United of the English Premier League (2001-2003), the French clubs Tolouse or TFC (1999-2001), AC Ajaccio (1998-1999), and Lyon (1996-1997). Courtois will wear Chivas USA jersey #16.
“I’m left footed. I can play all the places in midfield. I like to attack, and I hope I’m going to bring something to help the team,” said midfielder and now a Goat, Laurent Courtois. “I could see that we have [some of the best possession stats] in the league. We just need to translate that into goals. I’m going to try and help to bring something to finish the job and get the points. It’s a shame that you can dominate the game and still leave with zero points. That’s frustrating, so let’s work on it.”
“In my head I’m starting from zero, like I’ve never done anything. This is the better way to learn. I have to be accepted in this league, and this changing room. This is a total different football from what I’ve seen so far [in my career]. It’s going to be a total new start for me, and I think I have quality to try and do it, slowly,” Courtois added.
Chivas USA’s General Manager Jose Domene commented on the signing of Courtois, “He´s an exceptional soccer player that we’re really excited about, and I can’t wait for him to display his skills on the field and in favor of the Red-and-White.”
“We have been following them for quite some time now, and he has a lot of qualities that will help us through the rest of the season. I’m happy to welcome him to Chivas USA. Courtois is ready and is traveling with the team to Boston as we speak (Thursday).”
Chivas USA travels today at noon to Massachusetts and will square off against the New England Revolution on Saturday, August 6th at Gillette Stadium. The match will kick off at 4:30 pm PT, and will be broadcast on W Radio 690 AM at 7:00 p.m. PT. For information on the game, please visit www.cdchivasusa.com
LAURENT COURTOIS
Nombre/Full Name: Laurent Courtois
Posición/Position: Mediocampista/Midfielder
Nacido/Born: 1978-09-11, Lyon, France
Nacionalidad/Citizenship: French
Estatura/Height: 1.75 m / 5'8"
Peso/Weight: 70 kg / 154 lbs
Último Equipo/Last Team: Grenoble
Transacción/Transaction: Chivas USA firma al mediocampista de Francia, Laurent Courtois el 3 de agosto de 2011 / Chivas USA signs French midfielder Laurent Courtois on August 3, 2011