By Canadian Press

Former Canada captain Scott Arfield comes to MLS, signing with Charlotte FC

Jun 22, 2023 | 1:25 PM

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Former Canada captain Scott Arfield has signed with Charlotte FC.

The 34-year-old midfielder arrives from Glasgow Rangers, which he joined from England’s Burnley in May 2018 as the first signing of then-manager Steven Gerrard. The Scottish club announced in May that Arfield and four others whose contracts were also expiring this summer would not be back.

Arfield will be eligible to play for Charlotte when Major League Soccer’s secondary transfer window opens July 5.

“We’re delighted to be signing a midfielder of Scott’s calibre who joins Charlotte FC after a decorated career in Scotland and England,” Charlotte sporting director Zoran Krneta said in a statement. “He’s featured over 100 times for four different clubs which speaks to the quality and consistency Scott has shown throughout his playing career.

“He brings a wealth of leadership experience in big matches to our dressing room, including three promotion-winning seasons in England, two trophies with Rangers and a run to a European final (the 2021-22 Europa League).”

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Arfield scored 43 goals and added 19 assists in 233 matches across all competitions for Rangers, helping the storied club to both the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup. 

The midfielder joined Burnley in 2013 after stints with Falkirk and Huddersfield. At Burnley, he played alongside current Charlotte midfielder Ashley Westwood.

Arfield won 19 caps for Canada with two goals and seven assists.

While born in Livingston, Scotland, Arfield was eligible for Canada by virtue of his Toronto-born father. Arfield’s grandfather was in the military and was briefly stationed in Canada.

He announced his retirement from international football in January 2022. He had not played for Canada since November 2019 — a CONCACAF Nations League loss to the U.S. — focusing instead on his health, family and club career.

Arfield wore the captain’s armband five times, including a historic 2-0 win over the U.S. in Toronto in October 2019 — Canada’s first victory over the Americans in 34 years.

Canada coach John Herdman appointed Arfield captain in 2018 with veteran Atiba Hutchinson then concentrating on his fitness and club career in Turkey with Besiktas.

Arfield had won 17 caps for the Scotland under-21 team and one for Scotland but never got an invite from the senior side. The call from Canada came after Arfield — at a birthday bash for Burnley club teammate Sam Vokes — mentioned his Canadian bloodlines to Burnley defender David Edgar, a Canadian who is now an assistant coach with Forge FC.

Then-assistant coach Mike Findlay, with then-head coach Benito Floro, brought Arfield into the Canadian fold.

Arfield made his Canada debut in March 2016 in a World Cup qualifying loss to Mexico in Vancouver.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 22, 2023.

The Canadian Press