One day after being greeted at the airport by enthusiastic L.A. Galaxy fans, Irish striker Robbie Keane trained with the team for the first time Friday afternoon in front of equal fanfare.
In the biggest splash since the signing of David Beckham, Keane, 31, was introduced at a news conference filled with green, orange and white balloons and a buffet of corned beef and cabbage. With a mix of international media filling the east terrace of the Home Depot Center, the English Premier League’s 10th all-time leading scorer sat alongside Landon Donovan and Beckham -- the team’s other designated players -- and discussed his new home. Keane is expected to add punch to a Galaxy squad that is in first place and is seeking its first Major League Soccer Cup since 2005.
“I certainly had a good feeling about this move,” Keane said. “I had played in the Premiership for quite a long time and I had scored a lot of goals there. … It was an easy decision.”
Coach Bruce Arena said that the Irish national team captain would play “some extended minutes” in Saturday’s match against rival San Jose. Donovan and Beckham said they are happy to have Keane here, and neither seemed fazed by the mounting pressure to win.
“In my opinion, pressure is perceived,” Donovan said. “Our jobs just got easier since Robbie got here. We want to win championships. I have no reservations about saying that.”
Added Beckham: “Everyone loves the Irish, so we’re glad to have him here.”
-- Matt Stevens
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