The L.A. Galaxy announced Tuesday that they have transferred center back Omar Gonzalez to Mexican club C.F. Pachuca, according to MLS Soccer. As per Galaxy and MLS policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Galaxy fans may have been thinking that Gonzalez made a move to the evil empire by signing with Pachuca, but his introduction to the Mexican media confirmed it.
Gonzalez was introduced to his new team dressed as Darth Vader in a video on the Pachuca Twitter account. Flanked by a Storm Trooper and Chewbacca, Vader marched out in front of the media, pulled off his mask and revealed his true identity.
Gonzalez, 27, was drafted by the Galaxy, 3rd overall in the 2009 MLS super draft and has since established himself as one of the top MLS defenders. Since joining the Galaxy, Gonzalez made 180 regular season appearances with the club, won three MLS cups (2011, 2012, 2014), was named MLS Rookie of the Year (2009) and Defender of the Year (2011), and was a member of the MLS Best XI four times (2010, 2011, 2013, 2014).
The Galaxy released a statement on their website Tuesday regarding the trade.
"We thank Omar for his contribution and dedication to this club throughout the past seven years," L.A. Galaxy Head Coach and General Manager Bruce Arena said. "We wish Omar the best of luck with Pachuca."
Gonzalez thanked the Galaxy and their fans in an open letter on his Twitter account.
"Finding the words to sum up the last seven years with the LA Galaxy is no easy task. I arrived in Los Angeles looking to fulfill my dream of playing professional soccer and everything that has happened since I arrived has been a dream come true," he wrote.
A regular with the U.S. men's national team, Gonzalez earned 30 caps and made three appearances at the 2014 World Cup, but he has recently fallen out of favor with USMNT head coach Jurgen Klinsmann according to Eric Robinson.
As a dual citizen, Gonzalez has strong ties to Mexico, according to MLS Soccer; he will look to help Pachuca add to a long history of success in the Liga MX.
"This is an opportunity for me to continue to grow as a player and as a person," Gonzalez added. "I will always be a part of the LA Galaxy and this club and you all will always be a part of me."
Así fue la presentación de @Omar4Gonzalez como nuevo jugador de #ElÚnicoEnMi
