CARSON, Calif. – Nigel de Jong is in Los Angeles and aiming to make his preseason debut on Saturday against the San Jose Earthquakes.
De Jong went through his first training session with the club on Thursday after arriving in Southern California a day earlier. The 31-year-old Dutch midfielder signed with the Galaxy after a 13-year career in Europe that included stops with Ajax, Hamburg, Manchester City, and A.C. Milan.
After his first session in the California sun, De Jong was pleased with his performance and his new teammates.
“My first day went well. I got a good impression of the lads and I got a chance to get used to the team as well,” De Jong told LA Galaxy Insider on Thursday. “They’re very welcoming and they’re very good guys. I’m looking forward to training with the team in the coming weeks.”
De Jong will have his first opportunity to play for the club on Saturday when the Galaxy face the Earthquakes at Cashman Field in Las Vegas.
“There’s a chance,” Arena said. “We’ll see how he gets through today’s training and Friday as well. He’s done fine for his first day with having the travel on Wednesday, he did well.”
If De Jong plays against the Earthquakes, it’ll be his first appearance since he went 56 minutes for A.C. Milan against Hellas Verona on Dec. 13. The game was De Jong’s final match for Milan after making a total of 96 appearances for the Rossoneri from 2012-2015.
Although Arena is playing De Jong’s status close to the vest, the Dutchman is expecting to take the field on Saturday.
“I’m looking forward to playing. It’s been awhile since I was able to get some minutes in my legs,” De Jong said. “I’ll get to know the team a little bit better and get my fitness up. I think I’ll go 45 minutes but we’ll see.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at www.LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
