Marco Reus explains why he chose LA Galaxy over staying in Germany

Marco Reus was officially unveiled as a new Los Angeles Galaxy player on Friday. The 35-year-old German midfielder joins on a free transfer - a deal that will keep him at the franchise until December 2026.

Reus has been handed the No.18 jersey that was previous worn by Érik Dueñas. He is expected to make his debut on 24 August against Atlanta United at Dignity Health Sports Park.

The former Borussia Dortmund player has already trained with his new teammates and spoke about his first impressions of the Los Angeles Galaxy during his presentation. He also discussed how negotiations began in May and concluded earlier this month. Reus confessed that MLS is not very popular in Germany, but he has been following the games since talks began with general manager Will Kuntz and coach Greg Vanney.

Vanney welcomed the player on board and added, “We’re really excited for this opportunity to have Marco in our team. We’re looking forward to what’s in front of us - to working with him and learning from him but also, working with him so that we can get our team to the highest level possible”.

No desire to play at another German club

Reus meanwhile spoke about why he turned down offers to remain in Europe and what convinced him that coming to LA was the right move. “When I decided not to continue with Borussia Dortmund, I was thinking, ‘Ok, what can I do?’. I spoke with my family. Of course, I wanted to continue playing football - but my decision was not to play in Europe or in the Bundesliga. So, the first contact with the Galaxy was in May and I didn’t need so much time to make my decision. The impressions, the first feelings with the coach were very good so I made my decision very quickly,” the player told reporters.

With that gut instinct, Reus says he is feeling positive about what’s to come. “I am very, very happy that I’m here, very excited about the future,” he continued. “We have a great team and the future’s bright. I’m just looking forward to playing games, to train with my new teammates and to enjoy this ride together. At the moment, I think we are in a good shape.

“I think there are eight games left until the playoffs. So at the moment, everything is good but it’s a long way to get it done, to win the championship. So we have to focused and take it one game at a time. There are really good players, young players. For the future, I think we have a good team”.

Reus’ opinion on MLS

Reus gave an honest reply when asked about his impressions of Major League Soccer and how it is viewed back in Germany. “It’s difficult to say. I think I have to play first and then I can say what I think about the league but I think they have really, really good players - in our team and in other teams as well. I think the standard is good. I actually saw a lot of games during my holidays,” he began.

“To be honest, MLS is not a popular league in Germany, but of course when players arrived here, like Messi for example, of course it gets everyone’s attention. Like I said, I think this league is great, there are a lot of good players and especially in this team. I have seen many good games so far,” he continued, before concluding: “I have to play first and then I will give my opinion on the league.

“But there are many good players in this team and in others as well. I know some players in this team, very good and young. The level in training was very high and everything is fine at the moment. I am not the youngest, but I want to help those who are starting out. The details are very important in football to prepare for the matches. The goal for this club is to win the championship and be successful. It has been 10 years since we won the title and the time is now. The team is ready” he ended.