Former Canada captain Arfield comes to MLS, signing with Charlotte FC
Former Canada captain Scott Arfield has signed with Charlotte FC.
The 34-year-old midfielder arrives from Glasgow Rangers, which he joined from England’s Burnley in May 2018 as the primary signing of then-manager Steven Gerrard. The Scottish membership introduced in May that Arfield and 4 others whose contracts had been additionally expiring this summer season wouldn’t be again.
Arfield might be eligible to play for Charlotte when Major League Soccer’s secondary switch window opens July 5.
“We’re delighted to be signing a midfielder of Scott’s calibre who joins Charlotte FC after a decorated career in Scotland and England,” Charlotte sporting director Zoran Krneta mentioned in an announcement. “He’s featured over 100 instances for 4 totally different golf equipment which speaks to the standard and consistency Scott has proven all through his taking part in profession.
“He brings a wealth of leadership experience in big matches to our dressing room, including three promotion-winning seasons in England, two trophies with Rangers and a run to a European final (the 2021-22 Europa League).”
Arfield scored 43 targets and added 19 assists in 233 matches throughout all competitions for Rangers, serving to the storied membership to each the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup.
The midfielder joined Burnley in 2013 after stints with Falkirk and Huddersfield. At Burnley, he performed alongside present Charlotte midfielder Ashley Westwood.
Arfield received 19 caps for Canada with two targets and 7 assists.
While born in Livingston, Scotland, Arfield was eligible for Canada by advantage of his Toronto-born father. Arfield’s grandfather was within the army and was briefly stationed in Canada.
He introduced his retirement from worldwide soccer in January 2022. He had not performed for Canada since November 2019 — a CONCACAF Nations League loss to the U.S. — focusing as an alternative on his well being, household and membership profession.
Arfield wore the captain’s armband 5 instances, together with a historic 2-0 win over the U.S. in Toronto in October 2019 — Canada’s first victory over the Americans in 34 years.
Canada coach John Herdman appointed Arfield captain in 2018 with veteran Atiba Hutchinson then concentrating on his health and membership profession in Turkey with Besiktas.
Arfield had received 17 caps for the Scotland under-21 group and one for Scotland however by no means bought an invitation from the senior aspect. The name from Canada got here after Arfield — at a birthday bash for Burnley membership teammate Sam Vokes — talked about his Canadian bloodlines to Burnley defender David Edgar, a Canadian who’s now an assistant coach with Forge FC.
Then-assistant coach Mike Findlay, with then-head coach Benito Floro, introduced Arfield into the Canadian fold.
Arfield made his Canada debut in March 2016 in a World Cup qualifying loss to Mexico in Vancouver.
