LAFC move a 'kick in the teeth' for Laurent Ciman, agent says

Former Montreal Impact defender Laurent Ciman didn't take news of his trade to Los Angeles FC very well and was "shocked" by the move, says the Belgium international's agent.

Laurent and his wife Diana moved to Montreal from Standard Liege in 2015, partly because there were better options for the care of their daughter, who has autism. But he wasn't made aware of Tuesday's deal until after it was completed, and found out via his agent, John Russo.

"That chat was a real kick in the teeth," Russo told 91.9 Sports, as translated by ESPN FC's Ian Holyman. "Laurent and Diana were shocked - they didn't sleep the whole night."

Russo explained their first reaction was to "let everything go," but the two decided to keep their house in Quebec and come back afterward. He added that the parents immediately began searching for suitable arrangements for their daughter with a month remaining before pre-season training starts under Bob Bradley.

"It happens in sport, but the club could have informed us so we could find installations for Nina, a house, etc.," Russo said.

"We only have a month now. Words fly around, but only what is written down remains. From now on, I won't trust anyone. There was a verbal understanding that Laurent would spend his whole MLS career at Montreal Impact."