Riqui Puig has insisted his move from Barcelona to Los Angeles Galaxy is not a sideward or backward step for his career, despite leaving one of Europe's heavyweight teams.
Puig joined the Galaxy on a contract until 2025 in a free transfer from Barca, who have a buy-back option and a 50 per cent sell-on fee in the deal. The 23-year-old made a total of 57 appearances for the LaLiga side but heads to Major League Soccer in pursuit of regular first-team action.
The majority of players head from Europe to the United States in the latter half of their career but Puig said that will change in the future.
'This is a league for young players. Trust me, in the coming years you'll see more young players coming to this league.
'I like to take risks. This is a good opportunity. My teammates have made me feel at home.'
Puig, who will be used as an attacking midfielder, is set to make his Galaxy debut on Friday against Seattle Sounders.
'I couldn't imagine this club was reaching out to me,' Puig said. 'I got great support from the fans when I arrived at the airport.
'The facilities are fantastic here. I couldn't believe I was being called by the Galaxy.'
Galaxy coach Greg Vanney was ecstatic and bringing in a player of Puig's calibre.
'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’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.
'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.'
ManUnited-Red
0
yoo keep talking sir all you can do is talk to relieve your pain after watching relegation level performance of man u
Lol cry more
yeackmuz
0
Your team?
yoo keep talking sir all you can do is talk to relieve your pain after watching relegation level performance of man u
dipaeiruyz
1
good luck football player, I know one day you will return back to Barcelona, for positive win.
ranbcdeno
3
my favorite kid... wish you best of luck...
rawlingso
0
all the best bro
Riocorstuz
2
No wonder why Barca let this kid go, they all thought it was Coutinho
Zudcekmrtu
0
good luck Puig .I know you will make us proud
sooklmno
0
Waste of talent
Has he stopped playing football??
ManUnited-Red
0
Man U is a high school level team.
Your team?
FuckEverything
0
Waste of talent
Talents not wasted, he can still come back you know.
FuckEverything
0
Barca is an mls level team lol [Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Man U is a high school level team.
Unclebj2022
0
Waste of talent
piybckmnyz
0
wish u good luck to be better
Yipilmnsyz
1
Good luck on your journey puig I’ll be following you and watching your games
suhcdikos
1
wish you the best Riqui
Hamsa_Baydaani
1
best luck to our boy i hope he improve so we can play in the future.
N0_N0NsENSE
2
best of luck lad 👍
Midbcklnos
1
good luck Ricky....
EmeraldJ
1
What a waste of talent!!! I pray he will come back to top flight league soon. He had a bright future
ManUnited-Red
1
Barca is an mls level team lol [Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
ClemJay
0
Great prospect
Nazdilmpr
0
Run for your life Barca they own gbese
pamacenru
0
up Puig, a nice player