LAFC's Cristian Arango joins CF Pachuca
Cristian Arango is headed to Liga MX.
The LAFC figure will join CF Pachuca amid the 2023 Liga MX Clausura, after almost two years in Major League Soccer.
“I am very grateful to everyone at LAFC,” Arango said. “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.”
Chicho Arango first joined LAFC on August 2, 2021 from Colombia’s Millonarios FC, making an immediate impact on the squad. He managed 14 goals and two assists in his first 17 games, before adding another 16 and five in the 2022 campaign.
He inspired LAFC’s recent historic run, propelling the team to lift the Supporters’ Shield and first-ever MLS trophy. The forward now departs LAFC as the third-leading scorer in team history, trailing only Carlos Vela and Diego Rossi.
“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,” LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington said.
“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.”
He now joins the reigning Liga MX champions, as Pachuca defeated Toluca 8-2 in the Liguilla final to lift the 2022 Apertura trophy. The team currently leads the table after four weeks, with nine points and a record of 3W-1L-0D.
Arango is set to replace Nico Ibanez under head coach Guillermo Almada, as the former leading scorer for Pachuca transferred to Tigres UANL just weeks ago. The team has since been missing a true number 9 to take his place, playing with Roberto de la Rosa in the meantime.
The new figure will likely not be ready for Pachuca’s match against Club Leon on Saturday, February 4, and instead debut against Chivas de Guadalajara on February 11.