Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today the signing of playmaker Davide Chiumiento to the club's Major League Soccer roster.
Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
"We're delighted to add Davide to our MLS squad," said Whitecaps FC president Bob Lenarduzzi. "He brings a special skill set and quality that has the ability to change matches. As an attacking midfielder or a withdrawn striker, Davide is the type of player that will excite fans with his creativity on the ball. We're delighted to have him as part of our inaugural MLS squad."
Initially acquired by Whitecaps FC during the 2010 USSF D-2 Pro League season on August 17, the 26-year-old made five appearances in Vancouver's final season at the North American second division level.
Prior to joining the 'Caps, the 26-year-old played the last three seasons with FC Luzern. The 5-foot-8, 150-pound attacking midfielder had a breakout 2009-10 season with the Swiss club. In 27 appearances, the playmaker scored 11 goals and added five assists, as FC Luzern qualified for the 2010-11 UEFA Europa League. During his three seasons with FC Luzern, Chiumiento appeared in 97 matches, scored 17 goals, and was credited with 16 assists.
Prior to his time with FC Luzern, the native of Heiden, Switzerland, was a member of Italian giants Juventus FC. At 19 years of age, the midfielder made his debut with the Serie A club during the 2003-04 season, replacing Juventus legend and childhood hero Alessandro Del Piero during a 3-0 home win over AC Ancona on February 29, 2004. He then spent the next three seasons on loan with former Serie A club AC Siena, French Ligue 1 side Le Mans FC, and Swiss Super League outfit Berner Sport Club (BSC) Young Boys.
A holder of both Swiss and Italian citizenship, Chiumiento made 11 appearances for Switzerland's U-21 squad, with the playmaker having played in the 2004 UEFA European U-21 Championship in Germany alongside Whitecaps FC teammate Alain Rochat. On March 3, 2010, the playmaker earned his first senior international cap for Switzerland in a friendly versus Uruguay in St. Gallen.
