MLS
LA Galaxy’s Riqui Puig doesn’t miss playing for Barcelona
The Spanish midfielder talked about his arrival at the Los Angeles Galaxy in Major League Soccer and his objectives this year.
Riqui Puig will be entering his first full year in Major League Soccer and he has become the motor of the LA Galaxy since arriving last summer. The 22-year-old made 10 appearances, nine as a starter, and scored three goals and provided five assists to lead the league’s most decorated club to their first MLS Cup playoff appearance since 2019.
During an interview with EFE, the Spanish midfielder talked about his arrival at the Galaxy and described himself as “very happy” in Los Angeles. Puig also confirmed that for the moment he doesn’t miss playing for his boyhood club FC Barcelona and his goal is to win titles in Major League Soccer during the 2023 campaign.
Puig is happy playing in MLS
“At first it was very difficult because I was living in a hotel and there it was tough to adapt to the city and the lifestyle. Now I have found a home since January and I am very comfortable. At the moment I don’t miss Barcelona and that is me saying a lot. Every month my parents, my girlfriend and my brothers come to visit me. To be honest I am very happy right now,” said Puig.
The Los Angeles Galaxy are ready for the start of the 2023 MLS regular season and will have their home opener against city rivals Los Angeles Football Club on Saturday at the historic Rose Bowl stadium. This has become one of the biggest rivalries in Major League Soccer in a five-year period and Puig is eager to walk away with the three points after losing to LAFC in the playoffs last season.
“Well, this is not a revenge mission but I am eager to play against them. I think we didn’t deserve to lose [last season]. We had a lot of opportunities and more control of the game. But now we are eager to vindicate ourselves. I think we can make a statement, it is a great rivalry and what better way to start the new season than with this matchup,” said Puig.
Puig on former teammate Julián Araujo joining Barcelona
“I told him not to think about it. He had to go no matter what. It is an experience of a lifetime for him, to keep growing as a player at one of the best clubs in the world. I can’t say anything about the city [Barcelona] because it is perfect. Araujo is a player that can bring a lot to the first team. He goes to the space a lot, goes down the line and Barcelona plays with deep full-backs,” added Puig.