Football
Kevin Palmer 9y

Keane calls Gerrard a great addition; Galaxy hosted by Ireland president

Robbie Keane has insisted he does not expect to hand over the captaincy of LA Galaxy to Steven Gerrard when the outgoing Liverpool skipper makes his high-profile move to California at the start of July.

Keane has emerged as the leader of the Galaxy charge since the departures of David Beckham and Landon Donovan from the Los Angeles franchise, with the Irishman suggesting his former Liverpool teammate will not be arriving to replace him as team leader of the reigning MLS champions.

"He is arriving as an addition, not as a replacement as captain," Keane told reporters in the Irish capital Dublin, where he led the LA Galaxy squad on a hospital visit to Our Lady's Children's Hospital and to an audience with Irish President Michael D. Higgins.

"I have spoken to Steven and he is excited about the challenge of coming to LA Galaxy. He is going to be a great addition to our squad."

The Galaxy's whirlwind offseason as reigning MLS champions saw them meet U.S. President Barack Obama earlier this month and now they have been welcomed by Irish President Higgins at his official residence at Áras an Uachtaráin, where he offered these words of praise for the star of the show.

"LA Galaxy and the Republic of Ireland teams share a special relationship as, of course, we share the same captain," said Higgins. "Robbie's contribution to Ireland sporting reputation has been extraordinary and he has made us all very proud on the international stage.

"We are not surprised that LA Galaxy has recognised Robbie's skill, talent and dedication and we are not surprised you have made him your captain.

"He is our record scorer, with 65 international goals, which is more than three times any other player. He is one of our greatest players and is one of the few Irish players who has achieved world-class status. He is a legend of Irish football."

Keane was delighted to accept the tribute from President Higgins, as last season's Major League Soccer MVP offered this comment as he reflected on a hectic build-up to the new season, which will continue with a match against Irish side Shamrock Rovers on Saturday.

"It has been a couple of crazy weeks meeting President Obama and then our own [Irish] President, but we are looking forward to the end of this week and the game against Shamrock Rovers," added Keane.

Keane had arrived in Dublin carrying a gift that will help to put a smile on the faces of a lot of sick children.

Keane led the LA Galaxy delegation as they presented a $50,000 cheque to Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin -- where he is an ambassador -- before enjoying President Higgins' company.

A clearly delighted Keane admitted he was chuffed to secure such a big donation to a hospital that he has long been a support of.

"It's terrific to come here today and make this donation with my teammates on behalf of the LA Galaxy Foundation and our sponsors," said Keane.

"My family is from Crumlin and Our Lady's Children's Hospital is a very special place for me so it is wonderful to be involved.

"I'm also delighted to lend my support to CMRF Crumlin's "Give It Up" campaign, a really super idea and I would encourage people to visit the website at www.giveitup.ie and make a donation.

Galaxy President Chris Klein added: "The LA Galaxy Foundation's commitment to youth extends outside of Los Angeles to different communities around the world, especially where both our players and staff come from. We are proud to contribute to the efforts of a hospital that is near to Robbie's heart.

"We're extremely honored for the opportunity to visit Ireland and our friends at Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin and want to express our gratitude for the welcome we have received."

Keane is due to be back in Dublin again next month as his national team play a crucial Euro 2016 qualifier against Poland.

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