Riqui Puig recently moved to LA Galaxy from Barcelona as a 23 year old. This is how the player and the club’s manager has addressed the controversial situation.
“I’ve been around the league a long time, since the beginning. We’ve just made arguably one of the most significant signings in the history of the league,” Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney told media Wednesday during a press conference. “To have a young player of his quality to come from the club he was at where he already had success – to choose the Galaxy, to choose MLS to continue to grow his career – is immensely humbling and a huge recognition for the league.”
“Different layers of this that all had to come together at the right time to make this opportunity possible, none the least of which was [Puig] wanting and desiring this as a location to continue his career,” Vanney said. “When that came together, it was a no-brainer.”
“I want him to be himself, to do the things he’s done as he continues to grow,” Vanney said. “We feel we can provide him the opportunity to grow, the guy who has solutions for us in the final actions. To see the final pass, make movements through the backline.”
“I couldn’t imagine this club was reaching out to me,” Puig said through a translator. “I got great support from the fans when I arrived at the airport. The facilities are fantastic here.”
“I like to take risks,” Riqui Puig said. “This is a good opportunity.”
Puig later added: “This is a league for young players. Trust me, in the coming years you’ll see more young players coming to this league.”
