Jack Elliott confirms departure in social media post

Jack Elliott confirmed he will in fact be departing Chester in an Instagram post on Monday.

This follows a report that the veteran center back – famously brought into the Philadelphia Union as a 77th pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft – was nearing a deal with the Chicago Fire. Elliott was a free agent and according to Union Sporting Director Ernst Tanner rejected what the offer the team made to him to return.

“After months of back and forth, and 8 years with the club, I’m disappointed to announce my time in Philadelphia has come to a close,” Elliott wrote in an Instagram post. “Philadelphia has become home to me, but the time has come where I have to stay true to myself and know my own worth.”

“Looking back on my time with the Philadelphia Union, I feel immensely proud. Proud of the steps forward we took, the things we accomplished when no one believed we could. From the highest of highs, to the lowest of lows, I’m proud of how I carried myself throughout my time here and each experience has shaped me into the man and player I am today. I have made lifelong friendships here, and I will miss my teammates who were with me through it all. I wore the Philadelphia Union badge with pride, and I never took a second for granted. I thank every fan, teammate, coach, and trainer involved in my journey, from a 4th round draft pick to where I am now. It’s time I bet on myself, and I truly believe this is just the beginning for me. I am incredibly excited and hopeful for what is ahead. It is goodbye for now, I leave a piece of my heart in Philadelphia. Thank you, Union.”

Elliott, 29, will perhaps best be remembered for the two goals he scored in the 2022 MLS Cup final in Los Angeles, especially the second goal that for a few minutes felt like it would be the goal that brought the MLS Cup to Chester for the first time.

He departs with 270 appearances and more than 23,000 minutes in blue and gold (all competitions).

His replacement already appears to be waiting in the wings with reports that 23-year-old Argentine Ian Glavinovich has a loan deal being finalized from Newell’s Old Boys.

 

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A post shared by Jack Elliott (@jackells95)