Robbie Keane completes 'dream' £3.5m move to LA Galaxy from Tottenham

Posted Tuesday, August 16, 2011 by theguardian.com

• Irish striker joins David Beckham's side for £3.5m
• Keane describes move to MLS as 'a dream come true'

Robbie Keane completes 'dream' £3.5m move to LA Galaxy from Tottenham
Robbie Keane has signed for LA Galaxy from Spurs in a deal worth around £3.5m to the Tottenham club.

Robbie Keane has completed his transfer to Los Angeles Galaxy describing the move to the United States as "a dream come true". The Tottenham Hotspur striker had been in discussions with the MLS club after it became clear that he was surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane.

The Republic of Ireland captain said earlier this week that he thought his time at Tottenham was coming to an end and has now revealed that a conversation with David Beckham was key to the move to Galaxy being completed.

"I am delighted, honoured and very excited to be joining the LA Galaxy," Keane told The Galaxy's website. "I have always wanted to come and play in MLS so it's the perfect combination for me and a dream come true.

"My family and I have already been made to feel very welcome in telephone calls from (Galaxy owner) Tim Leiweke and (manager) Bruce Arena.

"Also when David Beckham came and trained at Spurs (in January) recently he couldn't speak highly enough about the Galaxy, their fans and the league in general, so I can't wait to get over and get started."

Negotiations had been held up by MLS rules which state that any franchise must have only three high-earning squad members, known as "designated players". The Galaxy have Beckham, Landon Donovan and Juan Pablo Angel but the former Aston Villa striker Angel is thought to be negotiating a release.

Keane's departure ends his second spell at Spurs. The 31-year-old made 254 appearances during his first stint between 2002 and 2008, during which time he scored 107 goals and became a fans' favourite.

He moved to Liverpool for £20m but returned within six months after failing to impress at Anfield. Keane played regularly under Harry Redknapp during his first season back but the arrival of Rafael van der Vaart last summer reduced his first-team opportunities and he was shipped out on loan to West Ham.

But Keane, who is joining his ninth club, is confident he will be good enough to score goals in the MLS though and is looking forward to the challenge.

"I have already discussed football with Bruce Arena and I know exactly what he wants from me," Keane added. "I am fit, fresh and ready to go. I've come here to score goals and help this team achieve their goals.

"This is a massive opportunity for me in my career. I aim to grab it with both hands and hopefully help give the Galaxy fans what they want."

Arena, whose side currently top the Western Conference of the MLS, added: "Robbie Keane will be a great addition to our club. I have followed his career and have always respected his ability as a competitor and a goalscorer.

"I believe that he brings qualities in and around the penalty area that we have been lacking. Hopefully, he will be another piece of the puzzle in our quest for the Supporters' Shield and an MLS Cup championship as well as to advance to the next round of the CONCACAF Champions League."