MLS is not where Laurent Ciman expected to be. Before signing with the Montreal Impact in January, he had never played outside of his native Belgium. The 29-year-old was a bedrock along Belgian Pro League side Standard Liège’s backline for five years. Last summer, he earned a spot on Belgium’s 23-man squad for the 2014 World Cup. But Ciman’s five-year-old daughter, Nina, is autistic, and despite everything Belgium gave him during his playing career, it couldn’t provide sufficient medical care. Seeking optimal support for Nina, the Ciman’s targeted a move to North America after his player career. However, a teammate connected Laurent with a Montreal-based agent in January.
“I think it was all wrapped up in two weeks,” Ciman told MLSsoccer.com’s Olivier Tremblay (read full story HERE).
“I think it was all wrapped up in two weeks,” Ciman told MLSsoccer.com’s Olivier Tremblay (read full story HERE).
The move isn’t one Ciman necessarily anticipated, but it has paid dividends for both his playing career and the Montreal Impact. Ciman is asserting himself as a frontrunner for MLS Defender of the Year. His 4.7 interceptions per game rate is the second best clip in MLS. He’s averaging 6.9 clearances per game in addition to a 79.1 pass success percentage. Without Ciman, Montreal’s Cinderella run to the CONCACAF Champions League final might not happen.
More importantly, the move is paying dividends for Nina.
“My wife managed all of this really well,” Ciman said. “She exerted herself, left no stone unturned to find solutions for my little girl. She’s making great progress. We see that she’s blooming here.”
Now settled in Montreal, Ciman is already looking ahead to paying his fortune forward.
“We'd like to go back to Belgium and help the Belgian people, try to set up a foundation, do something in Belgium for people who are still there.”
More importantly, the move is paying dividends for Nina.
“My wife managed all of this really well,” Ciman said. “She exerted herself, left no stone unturned to find solutions for my little girl. She’s making great progress. We see that she’s blooming here.”
Now settled in Montreal, Ciman is already looking ahead to paying his fortune forward.
“We'd like to go back to Belgium and help the Belgian people, try to set up a foundation, do something in Belgium for people who are still there.”
By: Editor
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