CARSON, Calif. -- Edson Buddle has officially returned to the LA Galaxy, and the 33-year-old veteran forward couldn't be happier.
Buddle signed with the club last week after two lean years with the Colorado Rapids that saw him struggle with injuries and his team's own inconsistencies. After two difficult seasons with the Rapids, Buddle jumped at the chance to return to the Galaxy.
“I let my agent deal with it. He’s familiar with Bruce and he knows that I’m happiest when I’m in L.A. I’m glad that it all worked out,” said Buddle. “[Colorado] was bittersweet because at least I got to see it and see why you have a balance. You can’t just go totally young. You need guys who have been in those situations to get out of it. It was a learning curve for me, to add to my career.”
One of the primary reasons that Buddle returned to the Galaxy—other than the weather—was the ability to once again suit up with Robbie Keane. The two paired up at times during Buddle’s 2012 stint with the Galaxy, but several injuries prevented Buddle from creating a lasting partnership with the Irishman.
However, now that Buddle is back, he’s hopeful that he can team up with Keane once more.
“I like to play in harmony with Robbie and the attacking part of the team,” Buddle said. “Hopefully, I’ll get a feel for things and perform.”
But now that he’s back in Los Angeles, just how long can Buddle keep playing? According to the forward, for quite a long time, just as long as he takes his vitamins.
“I feel great. I take a lot Herbalife vitamins,” Buddle said with a grin. “I’ll take advantage of that. It’s year-by-year. A lot of players are playing longer, but I know there a hungry group of players coming into the league. I’m pretty healthy. Right now, I have a strain in my left quad, but I’m just being cautious. I don’t want to do anything that can hurt me long term.”
