CHICAGO, IL–The acquisition of new players has begun for Chicago Fire FC as on Sunday they announced the signing of FC Köln center back Rafael Czichos (pronounced SHE-hus) to a three-year deal pending medial and receipt of International Transfer Certificate.
“One of our key objectives for this offseason was to acquire a talented left-footed center back and we feel confident we have achieved that with Rafael’s signing,” said Chicago Fire FC Sporting Director Georg Heitz. “Working closely with [head coach Ezra Hendrickson]and the staff, we identified Rafael as a player who will fit our style of play and bring more quality and leadership to our roster. We’re thrilled that he has agreed to join the Fire and look forward to welcoming him to Chicago.”
For Czichos, heading Stateside is a ‘dream’ for him as he is no longer in the long-term plans in Cologne.
“I decided together with my family to fulfill a dream and move to the U.S. for the next three years,” Czichos said in his own statement as published by Bulinews.com. “Leaving Köln is not easy for me after three and a half emotional and successful years. I’m very proud and thankful for this time. The promotion in 2019 was something very special to me.”
Czichos, 31, spent the last four seasons as a mainstay along the backline for FC Köln, where he made 111 appearances across all competitions in 1. Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga. During the last three campaigns, Czichos has tallied 74 starts in the German Bundesliga, including every match of the current 2021-22 season.
Czichos originally signed with Köln prior to the start of the 2018-19 2. Bundesliga campaign. In his debut season, he made 32 appearances (32 starts) as the team captured the league championship and earned promotion to the top division in Germany.
Before Köln, Czichos spent three seasons at Holstein Kiel where he captained the side in their promotion from 3. Liga to 2. Bundesliga in 2016-17. Overall, Czichos has made 412 professional appearances across all competitions.
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