A fan-favorite is back in Montréal.
CF Montréal have named former center back Laurent Ciman as an assistant coach with the first team, as the 35-year-old ends his playing career and begins coaching.
“I'm very happy to be back home,” Ciman said in a club statement. “It’s been my wish for a long time, and this is a great opportunity for myself and my family. I just want to contribute to the Club’s growth.”
Ciman spent the last two seasons with Toronto FC, where he made 29 appearances. He originally came to MLS in 2015 with Montréal, where he was an immediate success, winning MLS Defender of the Year in his first season. That year was Montréal's best-ever finish in MLS, led by Ciman, Didier Drogba and Nacho Piatti.
“We are very happy that Laurent is joining the coaching staff and that he is back with the club,” said sporting director Olivier Renard. “It is a logical and beneficial association, especially knowing the attachment Laurent has always had for this club and this city. We can now count on his experience after a fruitful career in Europe, in MLS, and on the international stage.”
Ciman also captained LAFC in their expansion season in 2018.
Prior to joining MLS, Ciman played in the Belgian first division for Royal Charleroi Sporting Club, Club Brugge, KV Kortrijk and Standard de Liège. He made 20 appearances with the Belgian national team.
