|
CARSON, California - The LA Galaxy have acquired 32-year-old Swedish international midfielder Christian Wilhelmsson, a veteran of the 2006 World Cup and the last three three European Championships, the club announced Wednesday.
Terms of his contract were not disclosed. He was awaiting receipt of a visa and "international transfer certificate" to be officially added to the roster, the club said in a news release.
Wilhelmsson has played for nine different clubs since making his professional debut for Mjallby AIF in his native Sweden at 17, winning four league crowns and three cup titles. He moved to Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia in 2008 and played the beginning of last season with Al-Ahli of Qatar on loan before returning to Al-Hilal.
He has 78 appearances with the Swedish national team, earning his first cap with the Blagult (Blue-yellow) in 2001, and last playing August 15 in a 3-0 loss to Brazil. He has scored nine goals for Sweden.
Wilhelmsson arrived in Southern California last week and has been training with the Galaxy reserves since, including 58 minutes in a 2-0 loss to the San Jose Earthquake reserves on Tuesday.
The Galaxy will next play on September 14 at home against the Colorado Rapids before returning to the CONCACAF Champions League five days later, travelling to face the Puerto Rico Islanders.
The Galaxy lead Group 5 in the Champions League with six points from its first two games. Besides playing the Islanders, they also must travel to El Salvador to oppose Metapan on October 25. Only the group winners advance to the quarterfinals.
