CARSON, Calif. – Jelle Van Damme was one of Major League Soccer’s breakout stars in 2016 and now a year later he’s recommitted to the LA Galaxy and is determined to bring silverware to StubHub Center.
The Galaxy announced on Wednesday that they had re-signed the 33-year-old Belgian central defender to a new contract that would make Van Damme the team’s third Designated Player. The deal will likely be bought down with Target Allocation Money midseason with an eye to adding a third Designated Player in the summer.
After a remarkable first season in Los Angeles, Van Damme was more than happy to return to the club that he admits is like family to him.
“I’m happy to be here. I’m proud to be part of this team and this family. This is a nice warm club. It’s a family. I feel welcome, and I’m happy about [re-signing],” Van Damme told LAGalaxy.com. “I had a great season last season, and it’s good to sign a new deal. I worked for it, and I want to stay here as long as possible.”
The 33-year-old central defender made 28 appearances for the Galaxy in 2016, tallying four assists in his first year with the team. In just the first year of his career as a full-time center back, Van Damme was named the club’s Defender of the Year, earned an MLS All-Star nomination, and was also selected to his first MLS Best XI.
Van Damme’s achievements could also be seen both on the field and off as he aided in the rapid progression of his center back partner Daniel Steres, while also become a favorite among the Galaxy faithful.
“Personally, I did well last season, but this season I want to do better,” Van Damme said. “For myself and the team as well.”
And just how can Van Damme build off such a strong season? According to the brash Belgian, the only way will be by winning as many trophies as possible.
“I want to win prizes. At the end of the day, that’s what matters,” Van Damme said. “It doesn’t matter how many games that you win or lose or how many goals that you score, you want to win prizes. You want to win the league, and you want to win the cup.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog atLAGalaxy.com/insiderand contact him atLAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
