Veteran defender AJ DeLaGarza will officially end his career as an LA Galaxy player.
The 35-year-old signed a one-day contract on Thursday with the Galaxy, the club that gave him his professional breakthrough in 2009 and where he played 250 times across all competitions until 2016.
While in LA, DeLaGarza won three MLS Cup titles and two Supporters’ Shields, as well as breaking through at international level initially with the United States (2 caps), then with Guam (14 caps).
“I am eternally grateful to have been a part of this club and when I thought about how I wanted to step away from the game, I knew I wanted it to be as a member of the LA Galaxy,” DeLaGarza, a three-time MLS Cup winner with Los Angeles, said.
“Beyond the trophies, the relationships with the fans, my teammates, and staff throughout my career are ones I will cherish forever. Officially, Forever a G.”
After leaving the Galaxy, DeLaGarza turned out for the Houston Dynamo where he won the 2018 US Open Cup, Rio Grande Valley FC (on loan), Inter Miami, and finally, the New England Revolution – winning the 2021 Supporters’ Shield title.
However, it was with the Galaxy where DeLaGarza experienced his best form and most prolific period of success.
“AJ has left an incredible legacy at the LA Galaxy during his eight years with the club,” Galaxy president Chris Klein said in a club press release.
“AJ laid the blueprint for what it means to be a Galaxy player on and off the field with his leadership and passion for our organization. We wish AJ and his family all the best in his retirement and thank him for his many contributions to our club. AJ will forever be a part of the LA Galaxy family.”
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