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LA Galaxy sign Michael Ciani to replace Jelle van Damme

The LA Galaxy found a replacement Jelle van Damme by signing French defender Michael Ciani on Saturday.

Van Damme left the Galaxy last month to return to Belgium to spend more time with his children.

And the Galaxy have now moved to fill his spot by signing the 33-year-old Ciani, who spent last season with Lorient.

"We targeted and acquired Michael as a player who can immediately strengthen our backline," general manager Peter Vagenas said in a statement.

"He is a valuable signing that will be an important piece of our roster. We are happy to add him to our team and look forward to him joining the squad next week."

Ciani made 25 appearances in Ligue 1 last season. He has also played in La Liga with Espanyol and Serie A with Lazio.

He will be available to face the Seattle Sounders next weekend for the struggling Galaxy, who are near the bottom of the table with nine games remaining.