Los Angeles Galaxy Ins and Outs, Jan. 20, 2011

Angel signs with the Galaxy

After a month long process, Juan Pablo Angel finally signed with the Los Angeles Galaxy yesterday, January 20, 2011.

“Like any deal, there were some issues you had to go through...the holidays, and the timing, and the draft and all those things that were up in the air didn’t help, but I was always hoping. I’m delighted that all the patience and the wait finally paid off,” Angel said in a conference call, Wednesday.

Angel was not the only one excited to begin. “He’s not only a quality player, but a quality person, and he’ll bring a lot to the Galaxy on and off the field, and certainly in the locker room,” said  Arena in an interview with MLSsoccer.com.

“The concern was getting a deal done. We have great ownership, and they’re very supportive and I knew we would eventually reach an agreement with Juan. That’s all part of it with high-profile players. There’s a negotiation period you have to respect and we did that.”

When asked about settling in with the G's, which feature David Beckham and team captain Landon Donovan, Angel was captive.

“Landon is probably the best player to ever play the sport in this country, and David is a world-class player and I’m really looking forward to trying to be on the end of their services,” Angel said. “I know what I need to do and hopefully I can be in the right spots when they provide the services."

“In general, I’m excited because of the team. This has been one of the strongest teams in the last few years and they have a good spine, some good young talent, some experienced players and I’m looking forward to add with my talent and with my experience to this already good team."

The Galaxy open their season on March 15th against the Seattle Sounders.