Former New York Cosmos and Lazio legend Giorgio Chinaglia has died due to complications from a recent heart attack. He was 65.
Chinaglia was a star among stars on the New York Cosmos, having joined the NASL after a storied career with Italian club Lazio. He finished his NASL career with a league-record 242 goals. He starred alongside Pele and Franz Beckenbauer on the high-profile Cosmos teams of the 70s and 80s.
Chinaglia made 14 appearances for the Italian national team, scoring four goals.
A mainstay in the New York/New Jersey area long after his playing days were over, and most recently had been co-hosting a radio soccer show with former MetroStars president Charlie Stillitano.
I will remember Giorgio as a passionate defender and lover of the sport of soccer who was an outstanding player and equally passionate fan of the game. His contribution to the sport in this country is tough to measure, but he absolutely had a major impact that should not be forgotten.
What memories do you have of Chinaglia? Did you have the chance to see him as a player? Did you listen to his radio show?
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