CARSON, Calif. – For a player that has played at some of Europe’s biggest clubs, Jelle Van Damme speaks with a deep fondness when he talks about the LA Galaxy and their loyal supporters.
“This is my club,” he admits whenever asked. “I’m going to fight for the colors of the club and try to make the people proud.”
In his first year in Major League Soccer, the Belgian defender adapted quickly to the rigors of his new home after spending 15 years in Europe, being named to the league’s Best XI and earning the LA Galaxy Defender of the Year honors.
His sophomore season brings more change with a new coach and a youth-laden squad with a host of new faces.
Through all the change, Van Damme remains committed to the cause signing a contract extension in January and on Wednesday being announced as the club’s newest captain replacing Galaxy legend Robbie Keane. The significance of the armband was not lost on the imposing central defender.
“It means a lot to me. It’s an honor, and I’m proud to be able to be the captain of this team. It’s an honor to take over from Robbie Keane who has been a great captain,” Van Damme told LAGalaxy.com. “I want to be the same both on and off the field. I want to try and help the team in many ways … I’ll do everything to be able to win games and to help my team and my teammates to show them the right mentality.
“I’m a fighter. I want to win games. This is my second year with this club. I feel welcome, and I feel at home. This is my club.”
It will be a challenge for the newly-named Galaxy captain to top his banner 2016 season. A rock in the back for the Galaxy’s defense as well as a valuable outlet in the attack, Van Damme notched 34 appearances across all competitions – all of them starts—and five assists.
Through the entire campaign, Van Damme’s swashbuckling style endeared him to his teammates and supporters, helping him quickly become a fan favorite at StubHub Center. Now that he’ll be sporting the captain’s armband, Van Damme expects to produce even more in the season ahead.
“I have to be better than last season. That’s something that will motivate me as much as I can. It is an honor to be captain of this team. The armband is something that you can be proud of,” Van Damme said. “It means something to people, and it gives you an extra boost and motivation to do any better. I don’t like talking about myself. I’m a team player. I’m a fighter for my teammates, and I’ll protect them in every single way. I think people see that and identify with it.”
Although other foreign players have struggled adapting to the unique pressures of MLS, Van Damme credits his outgoing personality and his admiration for the club’s supporters for the reasons his transition was smooth.
“I know that I have a fun job and I am thankful for that. That’s why I enjoy it as much as I can while also doing all that I can for the team and the supporters,” Van Damme said. “I know what it means when you come as a new player to their team. They’ve been here all of their lives, and this is their club. You have to respect that and give everything for the team.
“I’m dead serious when I say that I love this club and I love being here. This place is a family to me, and I think it’s the other way around as well. I’m thankful to be here.”
Despite being 33-years-old, Van Damme believes that he is only scratching the surface of his abilities. As he enters the new season as the lynchpin of the Galaxy’s back four, Van Damme has a single aspiration for the year ahead: to deliver a sixth MLS Cup back to the Galaxy faithful.
“It’s been too long since the Galaxy won a championship. It’s time to change that.” Van Damme said. “I want to be able to say that we won this year. I want the league, and I want the cup.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog atLAGalaxy.com/Insiderand contact him atLAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
