Gyasi Zardes pledges future to LA Galaxy despite Europe rumors
U.S. national team standout and LA Galaxy attacker Gyasi Zardes says a potential switch to a European club during the summer transfer window was far from a reality, despite conjecture that the 24-year-old was poised for a move.
"There's so many rumors out there," Zardes told MLS' official website. "There's so many other people out there (saying), 'Hey, this team is interested in you,' and I'm just, like, that's not my focus. I'm an LA Galaxy player and this is my primary focus and this is my job, this is my team, these are my coaches, and today - right now, this moment - is the only moment that matters."
A Galaxy youth academy product, Zardes has 28 goals and eight assists in three seasons with the club. His breakthrough campaign was in 2014, when his 17 goals were a pivotal influence on the club's MLS Cup-winning effort.
Added Zardes, "Anything can happen once I walk out those doors (away from StubHub Center), but this (right now) matters, you know? I don't think I ever was leaving, you know? I really don't recall looking at any offers, because that was a tough period (during the summer months). Because that was the Gold Cup."
Much of the speculation concerning Zardes' future comes on the back of his performance at this summer's Gold Cup. Typically played on the left-wing, gaffer Jurgen Klinsmann opted to place the pacey attacker up top, highlighting the California-born player's versatility.
"I'm the type of player, if the coach needs me to play a specific position, I want to learn and master it and try to be the best I can at it," he said. "I played winger a lot this year but also have some skills up top. ... That's the thing I'm working on, just trying to be as consistent as I can be."
Asked if he thought he would be with the Galaxy next season in light of rumors surrounding a potential switch to Belgian side Genk, Zardes said, "I still have two more years here on my contract, but I'm just going to take it day by day and work extremely hard, because I don't know what tomorrow holds."
Not exactly the most convincing quote from Zardes, though it's hard to overlook the lanky attacker's virtues and how he could benefit a European side looking to stock up during the January window.