'Be in Charlotte more often to watch Zaha' – NFL legend and ex-Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson pumped up by Charlotte FC's signing of Wilfried Zaha

After falling down the pecking order at Galatasaray and a failed loan spell at Olympique Lyon, Wilfried Zaha signed last week with MLS side Charlotte FC on loan until January 2026. The move has been met with a lot of excitement from fans across social media with many Charlotte fans overjoyed at the fact that their side is building on last season’s progress.

This includes former NFL star Chad Johnson, who posted on social media about his joy at being able to watch the Ivory Coast international play in the MLS. Johnson also revealed that he’s friends with Zaha, as they’ve known each other since 2010 when Zaha joined Crystal Palace.

Previously known as Chad Ochocinco, Johnson is an ardent soccer fan, who also played in The Soccer Tournament last year in Cary, North Carolina.

Zaha, the 32-year-old forward, has struggled to put his best foot forward since leaving Crystal Palace at the end of the 2022-23 season, contributing to just 15 goals in 43 appearances for Galatasaray. Even a loan move to Olympique Lyon at the start of the current season failed to spark his best as he couldn't etch a regular place for himself, making just six appearances until January.

Yet, that hasn’t reduced the fanfare around the signing as Charlotte FC’s general manager, Zoran Krneta, is confident the Ivorian will make an impact, saying "Wilfried's performances in the Premier League and on the international level speak for themselves and we are confident he can make an immediate impact in Major League Soccer."

Zaha joins a catalogue of former Premier League stars at Charlotte FC, as the roster features former Fulham defender Tim Ream and former Burnely midfielder Ashley Westwood. The team is managed by former Aston Villa boss Dean Smith. Smith, who was also in charge of Norwich City, guided Charlotte to the playoffs for the first time in their short history.

Charlotte kick off their MLS season with an away clash against Seattle Sounders.