August 18, 2012
GRAZZINI DEPARTS
Midfielder loaned to Argentine club

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill--The long rumored departure of midfielder Sebastian Grazzini came to fruition, with the Chicago Fire loaning the Argentine to Atlético de Rafaela.

The terms or the length of the loan were not disclosed.

The move to loan him to the second division side in his native Argentina more than a month after the club announced it was picking up his contract option, a move it made just days after it allowed him to go back to Argentina to deal with undisclosed family matters.

The 31-year-old joined the Fire on July 13, 2011 when he signed as a free agent. The Rosario, Argentina product started 25 matches while with the Fire, scoring seven goals and adding nine assists.

He played in 14 games this season, but has not suited up for the Fire since June 23, when he wore a t-shirt bearing the words “Thanks Chicago.”