Official: Chivas USA Captain Sacha Kljestan Transfers To Anderlecht

Posted Friday, June 11, 2010 by YAHOO Sport

Chivas USA captain Sacha Kljestan officially joined Anderlecht today, the MLS club confirmed. The 24-year-old had six months left on his contract, so the Belgian club paid a transfer fee for his services, though no details were released.

“I’m very excited and proud to be joining a club like Anderlecht, and I wouldn’t be there to sign with them today if I hadn’t been for Chivas USA. I’m thankful to everybody at Chivas USA, from the coaching staff, management, all the fans, and teammates over the years that have helped me mold into the player I am today,” said Kljestan. “I’m ready to take this exciting step in my career.”

Kljestan thought he was ready for the step to Europe in early 2009, when he spent time on trial with Scotland's Celtic FC. Instead of earning a contract, however, the midfielder returned to Chivas USA. Kljestan now holds the all-time assists and matches-played records for the California club.

“Chivas USA prides itself on developing young talent,” said Chivas USA head coach Martín Vásquez. “Having been here for Sacha’s first two years as a professional, and then coming back this season, it is easy to see that he has made great strides. I am sure he is ready for the next step in his career, and we all wish him the best at Anderlecht.”

Anderlecht has won the Belgian First Division a record 30 times and will take part in next year's UEFA Champions League.