CARSON, Calif. – The responsibility of donning the LA Galaxy’s No. 10 jersey made famous by Landon Donovan doesn’t scare Giovani dos Santos. In fact, the pressure suits him just fine.
Dos Santos’ Galaxy career Galaxy officially began on Tuesday as the 26-year-old forward international was introduced to the Los Angeles media.
Dos Santos brings an impressive resume that includes an illustrious career with the Mexican national team as well as stints at top club sides like FC Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur and Villarreal. Despite his impressive credentials, replacing Donovan in the hearts and minds of Galaxy fans will be no easy feat for the El Tricolor star.
As he began his first day as the Galaxy’s new No. 10, dos Santos paid tribute to the retired U.S. Soccer star but admitted that he’s joined the club eager to write his own legacy.
“I think everyone knows Landon Donovan is a great player,” dos Santos said. “I have a lot of respect for him but I am Giovani dos Santos. I came here to work hard and win titles and do my own history at the club. Hopefully I can win a lot of titles and do a big history here.”
The forward will have first opportunity to carve out his own legacy on Thursday against Central FC in the club’s opening match of the CONCACAF Champions League. Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena confirmed during the press conference that dos Santos will suit up against Trinidadian side and against Seattle Sounders FC in league play on Sunday.
Seeing another player other than Donovan don the No. 10 jersey might be a bit strange for Galaxy fans, but according to Galaxy captain Robbie Keane, who played with Dos Santos at Tottenham Hotspur, such issues will not faze the forward.
“Whose fault is that? It’s not Gio’s fault. Talk to someone else, that’s not Gio’s fault. Gio is a No. 10. I guarantee you one second Gio does not care. I’m telling you that right now,” Keane stated to the press. “He does not care what people say. The reason why is that he’s got nothing to do with it. It’s got nothing to do with him. It’s up to other people if they want to retire a number. Are they going to retire number 7 when I finish? I wouldn’t want them to.”
Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena agreed, “They have some similarities but I think that he said it eloquently, he’s Giovani dos Santos and he will bring on his own personality and qualities. Let’s see him play a little bit first, Landon is a very accomplished player and had a great career while Giovani is really just starting his career in some ways. Give him some time to make his own statements.”
As others talk about the impact and legacy that dos Santos could have with the club, the Mexican star himself is simply focused on the task at hand, and eager to get started with the Galaxy.
“This is a big club with big players and I have come here to win,” said dos Santos. “I’m very excited to be here in Los Angeles.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.