MLS MVP Robbie Keane Extends Contract With LA Galaxy
CARSON, Calif. (AP) — Irish forward Robbie Keane extended his contract with the LA Galaxy on Wednesday, agreeing to stay with the MLS club into the final years of his playing career.
The defending MLS champions refused to reveal the length or terms of Keane's contract extension, but the prolific goal-scorer had previously said he intended to stick with the Galaxy for at least a few more years. Keane turns 35 next month.
Keane has been one of MLS' best players since he arrived in 2011, scoring 55 goals in 91 appearances with the Galaxy. He was named MLS' most valuable player last winter while leading the Galaxy to their third championship in his four seasons.
Keane capped his MVP season by scoring the winning goal late in the Galaxy's MLS Cup victory over New England last December.
He also won championships in 2011 and 2012 alongside Landon Donovan and David Beckham, who have both retired. Keane has stuck around as the Galaxy's captain and one of their three designated players who can be paid above the league's salary cap.
"We're very pleased Robbie will continue to be a member of the Galaxy in the coming years," said Bruce Arena, the Galaxy's coach and general manager. "He has been one of the key pieces in our success over the past five seasons. We look forward to even more success with Robbie as a member of our team."
Keane is away from the Galaxy with the Irish national team, preparing for a match in Dublin against Scotland on Saturday.
Keane sat out nearly seven weeks this season with a groin injury, only returning late last month. After Donovan retired last year, the Galaxy are a mediocre 5-5-6 this season while awaiting the addition of English midfielder Steven Gerrard, who is expected to join the lineup in July.
Keane played for Tottenham Hotspur for most of his Premiership career, but also teamed with Gerrard for part of the 2008-09 season at Liverpool.
Although Keane clearly doesn't plan to retire soon, he intends to enter coaching after his playing career. He has taken UEFA coaching courses, and he hopes to be a manager in England or for the Irish national team.
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