New LA Galaxy signing Maya Yoshida has said it was difficult to leave Europe, yet the defender admitted that the time was right to move to MLS.
Speaking to the press at the Japanese international’s unveiling event, the 34-year-old centre-back revealed that the decision to leave European football was not an easy one having just left German side Schalke 04.
Yoshida said when asked about his decision to move to MLS: “The decision to leave Europe was not easy, but the offer came in at the right time from a good club with high-quality players.”
Having played regularly in the Premier League for Southampton as well as in Italy’s Serie A and the German Bundesliga, Yoshida could have spent another year in one of Europe’s top-five leagues had the right offer come in.
However, the defender instead opted to make the move to MLS with the Galaxy, where Yoshida will be expected to help Greg Vanney’s side, who this season have had one of the worst defensive records in the league.
Indeed, Yoshida could prove to be an excellent signing for the Galaxy, and the defender’s professional mindset could make the Japanese international a season-defining addition for the California giants,
Yoshida will give 110% to the LA Galaxy this seaosn
Yoshida’s experience needs no introduction, with the 34-year-old a defender who has experienced anything and everything in the game of soccer in Europe. And the centre-back will want to give it his all for the Galaxy.
The LA-based side have been crying out for an experienced defender to lead the line for the best part of 18 months, and Yoshida can finally be that player this season.
Whilst the playoffs might be a stretch too far this year, Yoshida has enough left in him to last a few more seasons at the top, and this season could be all about getting his new squad whipped into shape for 2024.