New LA Galaxy signing Chicharito: It’s just the beginning for me

Chicharito conducted his first training session with the LA Galaxy on Thursday, with an abbreviated run before going to do some of his other responsibilities, including his introductory press conference.

At one point in the press conference (which you can watch below), the new forward half-apologized, wrapping up a long answer to a question in English by saying that he talks a lot, drawing laughs, but his enthusiasm was palpable, as he faced a standing-room only crowd of reporters.

It’s worth watching the presser if you have time, but Chicharito was directly asked about his “retirement” clip that went viral this week, and he both seemed prepared and ready to answer the question and still emotional over one chapter of his career ending and another beginning.

“It’s so simple,” he said, his voice catching for a brief moment. “I’ve been all over the world, and in our country, we are obsessed with drama and excess. So when you say ‘retirement,’ it’s like, ‘Ooh, tomorrow he’s going to announce his retirement,’ you know? They don’t really listen to what I said, ‘The beginning of the retirement.’ This retirement could last 10 years. You never know.”

Here’s more news for your Friday:

• Double the new season tickets: Sam Stejskal has a terrific profile in The Athletic telling the story of the Chicharito pursuit and signing. Of particular note, Stejskal reports the Galaxy’s new ticket sales have sold at “roughly double” the rate since the Chicharito news as they did in the first few days after Zlatan’s signing. Chicharito is box office, and if you don’t have tickets, you better get on it ASAP.
• Gonzalez called up by Costa Rica: Julian Araujo and Sebastian Lletget are already on national team duty with the USMNT, missing the first couple weeks of preseason, and they could face Galaxy teammate Giancarlo Gonzalez in the Feb. 1 friendly at Dignity Health Sports Park, as Gonzalez was called up to Costa Rica’s squad. Gonzalez is one of the veterans of Ronald Gonzalez’s roster, and this is a good chance for him to solidify his place in the mix with 2022 World Cup qualifying kicking off later this year.
• Quakes ain’t impressed: It’s probably not surprising, but the San Jose Earthquakes were asked about Chicharito signing this week, and while coach Matias Almeyda was complimentary of the move, Nick Lima and Chris Wondolowski weren’t admitting to being dazzled. Said Lima, as reported by Joel Soria on MLSsoccer.com: “I don’t think he’s going to make a difference. It’s one team, he’s one player. It’s a team sport.” And Wondo: “I wish him all the health. I hope that he stays healthy and has a great time. But I can’t wish the Galaxy much luck. I hope they finish seventh or eighth place this year.” Looks like the Cali Clasico’s going to be heated again this year.

Today’s question: Well, the superstar striker position is now filled, what do you think should be next on the Galaxy’s preseason shopping list? Let’s chat in the comments!