Chicago Fire terminate Gilberto's contract by mutual consent
The Chicago Fire announced Wednesday the club has parted ways with striker Gilberto, terminating the Designated Player's contract by mutual consent almost one year after signing him off waivers.
Gilberto first came to Major League Soccer in 2014, joining Toronto FC out of Brazil to play alongside Jermain Defoe up top. The arrivals of Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore in 2015 spelled the end of Gilberto's time with the Reds and he was signed to the Fire on July 27, 2015.
The Brazilian scored five goals and added two assists in 10 matches in his first season with Chicago, but failed to score in 2016, notching two assists and not much else for the last-place outfit.
"Despite his best efforts, Gilberto was not able to reach his top form in Major League Soccer," Fire general manager Nelson Rodriguez said in a statement. "He is a good person, with a big heart and a passion for the game, and we hope he finds success at his next stop."
Gilberto's time in MLS was short, and he will be remembered most fondly for his exchange with Defoe on a free kick against the New York Red Bulls. Defoe insisted on taking the free kick, but Gilberto did not relent.
He then unleashed a shot that left the Englishman with egg on his face, notching his first goal in MLS: