Jelle Van Damme transferred to Royal Antwerp F.C.

We all knew it was coming, but that doesn’t make the news any less somber.

LA Galaxy defender and two-time MLS All-Star Jelle Van Damme has officially been transferred to Jupiler League side Royal Antwerp F.C. In exchange, LA received $235,000 for the 33-year-old, who made 46 appearances in all for the Blue White and Gold.

“Jelle came to us and requested to return home to Belgium to be closer to his children,” explained Galaxy GM Peter Vagenas. “We worked closely with Jelle and Royal Antwerp so that we could make this move possible for Jelle and his family. Our top priority remains the success of the LA Galaxy. We thank him for his time with our club and wish him the best going forward.”

Losing Jelle is a major setback for LA. While Van Damme hasn’t been able to duplicate his 2016 form when he was one of the top players in the league, the big Belgian is still the Galaxy’s best center back and a great locker room presence.

You will be missed, Jelle.