CARSON, Calif. – Juninho created memories that will last a lifetime for LA Galaxy fans, but on Tuesday, he’ll arrive at StubHub Center with a new club.
The ex-Galaxy midfielder joined Liga MX side Club Tijuana after a six-year tenure with Los Angeles. After scoring one of the most iconic goals in club history and helping the team win three MLS Cups during his time with Galaxy, Juninho is expected to return to LA on Tuesday for the team’s preseason friendly with Tijuana.
The match promises to be an emotional experience for the Galaxy fan favorite who is excited to play in front of his former home fans one more time.
“It’ll be a good feeling to play them. I did a lot for the Galaxy during my time there especially over the last few years,” Juninho told LA Galaxy Insider. “There’s going to be a lot of emotions for me in that game, but I have to do my part for Xolos now. That feels a little weird for me, but it feels right for some reason.”
Charismatic off the field and hard-nosed on the pitch, Juninho grew from unknown newcomer to MLS All Star during his time with the Galaxy. A fierce competitor in the center of midfield, the Brazilian made 187 appearances with the club, which is the seventh-most in Galaxy history.
Juninho also developed a penchant scoring important goals as he ended his six years on the team with 18 goals and 23 assists.
“It’s sad to see Juni go. He was a top player for the Galaxy” said Galaxy captain Robbie Keane. “He’s moved on, and we wish him well after Tuesday’s game. It’ll be great to see him.”
Juninho’s transition to Liga MX has been a speedy one with the Brazilian already a regular in new head coach Miguel Herrera’s lineup.
The 27-year-old has made four appearances with two starts and one goal in six league matches for the Xolos. Juninho’s goal was a vintage effort by the Brazilian, who launched a fast-paced shot into the back of the net in Tijuana’s 2-2 draw with Veracruz on January 29.
“This is a new adventure and challenge for me. I think that it’s good to experience soccer in a new culture. I want to help my new teammates win,” Juninho said. “Herrera wants me here, and he was instrumental in bringing me to this team. I want to do what I can for him…I have to fight for my position here. I have to fight for my spot and after that, I need to help Xolos win.”
The Galaxy great will undoubtedly receive a warm reception when he takes the field on Tuesday, but regardless of the response that he receives from the Los Angeles faithful, Juninho is hopeful that he’ll see a full StubHub Center crowd watching his return.
“I expect to see the stadium full again. It doesn’t matter if the fans support me or not,” said Juninho. “In the past, they were on my side, but now I have to defend new colors. If I score, I’m going to celebrate.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog atwww.LAGalaxy.com/Insiderand contact him atLAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
