The LA Galaxy continue their Holiday Season purge by shipping Juninho south of the boarder to Xolos.

Carson, CA (December 24, 2015) – The LA Galaxy aren’t pulling any punches this Christmas Eve. Perennial LA Galaxy favorite Juninho, has been Transferred to Club Tijuana of Liga MX. Juninho originally joined the Galaxy on loan from Sao Paulo in 2010 and was eventually transferred to LA permanently in 2013.

During his time with the Galaxy he helped win 3 MLS Cups (2011, 2012, 2014) and was partnered with David Beckham, Marcelo Sarvas, and most recently, Steven Gerrard. Juninho is probably best known for his work rate and amassed a total of 15,613 minutes in regular season MLS Play. He scored a total of 18 goals and assisted 23 times in 187 appearances and 180 starts (Both Rank seventh-most in LA Galaxy History). His only All-Star appearance was last year, 2015, which probably goes to prove his underrated status.

Kevin Baxter of the LA Times had reported that Juninho was unhappy with his “role” as an underrated player. Perhaps feeling that he was always second fiddle to whomever he partnered with.

“It’s not only the money situation,” Silveira (Juninho’s Agent) said of Juninho, who has constantly found himself in the shadow of a midfield teammate, first with David Beckham and now with Gerrard…” “He likes to play for Bruce,” the agent continued. “[But] Juninho wants to be recognized, that’s for sure.” LA Times Article ‘After Galaxy’s playoff exit, 2016 decisions are at issue’ by Kevin Baxter. Click Here for Link.

The LA Galaxy recently transferred Omar Gonzalez to Pachuca and saw Edson Buddle, Todd Dunivant, Mika Vayrynen, Donovan Ricketts and Kenney Walker all leave the team. With the signing of Dan Kennedy at Goalkeeper it looks like the Galaxy and Bruce Arena will have more than just the defense to retool. Before the start of the season and the CONCACAF Champions League LA will now need to rebuild both the defense and the midfield. Leaving little time and no room for error in the intense CCL.

“We thank Juninho for his contribution on and off the field during his time here.” LA Galaxy Head Coach and General Manager Bruce Arena

The LA Galaxy will play the Xolos in a preseason match at StubHub Center on February 9th. This game will now have a slightly different meaning and perhaps a chance for LA Galaxy fans to say goodbye to Juninho.

Per MLS and Club Policy, Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Update

Updated the article to include a more complete quote from LA Times’ Kevin Baxter

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