CARSON, Calif. -- Jelle Van Damme bid farewell to the LA Galaxy via an emotional Instagram post on Friday after the announcement of his move back to Belgium.
The Galaxy announced the transfer of Van Damme to Royal Antwerp on Friday afternoon, ending the 33-year-old defender's two-year stint at StubHub Center. In a press release announcing the move, Galaxy General Manager Pete Vagenas confirmed that the club allowed Van Damme to make the move in order to reunite the defender with his children.
In his Instagram post, Van Damme states that the "difficult decision" was necessary due to the importance of his young children Cruz and Cleo.
"My family is the most important thing in my life and after two years away, I have decided to go back to Belgium so that I can spend time with my beautiful kids," Van Damme writes. "I am going home to be with my family, but in the process, I am leaving the family that I have made here in LA. I want to thank the club for working with me to get me closer to my kids.
"I have loved playing for you, the supporters of this great club. I have loved serving as your captain while representing the LA Galaxy, the fans and the city of Los Angeles. The LA Galaxy and each of you will remain close to my heart."
Van Damme's post in full is below:
