Kieran Gibbs is set to stop playing for Inter Miami but continue at the club in an in-house media role. The news comes just a few days before the MLS season signs this weekend.
The former Arsenal man made only 15 MLS appearances last season, so his playing days were looking like they were coming to an end.
MLS insider Tom Bogert revealed the news by tweeting, “Inter Miami defender Kieran Gibbs is transitioning to an on-air talent role with the club. Gibbs and Miami have agreed to a mutual contract termination to take him off the roster.”
Gibbs’ career as a player
He is best known for his time at Arsenal, where he made 229 appearances in total and won the FA Cup three times. When he was at the club they were a regular in the Champions League and Gibbs played 42 times in the competition. He also spent time on loan at Norwich City as a young player.
Gibbs left the Gunners and joined West Bromwich Albion. With the Baggies, he helped them get promoted from the Championship as they finished second during the 2019/20 season.
Inter Miami was his next club and he has made 28 appearances for the club. Last season, he helped them reach the playoffs but they suffered a 3-0 defeat to New York City FC.
Gibbs also played for England 10 times. However, he never got the opportunity to play in a major tournament.
What will he offer in a media career?
Often clubs do not do enough to help players transition to their life after their retirement, with many struggling if they do not have a plan for what to do next. However, going on to work for the club in a media role would suit a lot of former players who do not want to go into coaching.
Micah Richards started off with Manchester City’s in-house channels and he is now a mainstay on the BBC and Sky Sports. Gibbs appeared on Arsenal’s channels when he was playing for the Gunners and also played FIFA against KSI on the YouTuber’s channel.
He will be able to offer insight into playing at Arsenal under Arsene Wenger. He also played alongside great players at the club including Mesut Ozil, Robin Van Persie and Alexis Sanchez.
The former England man knows about winning trophies but also relegation battles and promotion campaigns which he was a part of at West Brom. His experience playing in MLS for Miami will help with his new role, as he will know the ins and outs of the club.
Gibbs will even be able to tell amusing stories from his career, like when Andre Marriner mistakes him for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and sent him off instead for a handball on the goal line.
Inter Miami begin its MLS campaign this weekend as they take on CF Montreal. The Herons has been linked with Lionel Messi recently, so what an experience it could be for him to still be at the club if they sign the Argentine this summer.