SOCCER:ANY RESIDENT of Metropolitan Los Angeles who never previously heard of Ireland's latest sporting export received a straightforward introduction in yesterday's newspapers. "Welcome to LA" blared the blue capital letters at the top of the advert. Below was a picture of a football player with arms outstretched, fists clenched, broad smile defining his face and body modelling the Republic of Ireland's green-and-white kit.
“Irish national team captain Robbie Keane,” provided the explanation in smaller capitals on the right. Later that morning, Keane wore another smile as he and Landon Donovan – the United States’ all-time leading scorer – walked side by side to the training pitch where Keane would start his first day with the Los Angeles Galaxy, Major League Soccer’s current pacesetters.
Recording their progress for the session’s first 15 minutes were about 15 camera operators, including two from local television stations. Also attending were about three dozen children from the Galaxy’s youth academy and roughly 30 sales representatives from the Galaxy’s jersey sponsor, a nutritional supplement manufacturer.
As the vast majority of his new team-mates dribbled, passed and visited informally, Keane talked extensively with manager Bruce Arena, assistant manager Dave Sarachan – and his most famous team-mate, David Beckham.
Keane remains “100 per cent committed” to playing for the Republic of Ireland and he was keen to get this message across at the presentation yesterday.
“Throughout my career I’ve always been committed to Ireland and that won’t change. We have two massive games next month. I’m with the Galaxy and I’m 100 per cent committed to them and then when I’m with Ireland likewise,” said Keane.
“Nothing will change unless the manager of Ireland (Giovanni Trapattoni) tells me different. I’ve been very fortunate with Ireland, had some fantastic years and we’re in a great position at the moment.”
Keane insisted he did not have to think twice about making the move to Los Angeles. “It’s been a hectic six or seven days,” he said. “I got a phone call early Friday morning from my representatives saying they’re interested. Straight away I told them to make the deal happen.”
Keane could make his MLS debut tonight against San Jose – and he cannot wait. “It’s always nice to get thrown in straight away,” he said. “I always like to play games and that’s why I’m here. I’m really looking forward to the game. I’m not too sure how the jetlag is going to affect me but I feel good.”
Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena confirmed he plans to use Keane in some capacity this weekend. “We’ll be smart about it,” he said. “We know about the travel and we’ll make a decision before game time. I think you can expect he’ll be on the field though.”
With Beckham at his side, Keane began training by participating in team jogging and stretching drills. Then the squad dispersed into groups of seven that formed circles to practice dribbling, passing and marking.
Keane – whose circle included Beckham and Donovan – made an immediate impression.
“You obviously see that he has quality,” said Galaxy defender Gregg Berhalter who played in two World Cups for the United States and competed in Germany’s Bundesliga. “Coming in, he’s probably one of the better finishers in the league right now.”
Meanwhile, the site for the outdoor press conference was festooned with balloons and inflatable stars in green, white and orange. An Irish tricolour flew at the northern end of the Galaxy’s stadium. Invited guests dined on corned beef, cabbage, whole potatoes and Watercress salad.
