30 September 2023 , 19:30
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First came David Beckham, later Steven Gerrard and now the unlikely figure of 37-year-old Billy Sharp has also attained hero status amongst the LA Galaxy faithful.
Just a few months ago Sharp was in the depths of despair after it appeared his hometown club Sheffield United had reneged on an arrangement to reward their local hero with a new contract.
Sharp, a goal scoring machine for the Blades in three spells at Bramall Lane, couldn’t immerse himself fully in the Premier League promotion celebrations at the end of the season in the knowledge that his time in the steel city was coming to an end.
“I had been told I was getting another year which was perfect because I would have accepted it being my final season with the club – one last fling in the Premier League,” he explained. “When I could see that was happening it hit me hard.”
Offers came in from the Championship and League One but Sharp was unmoved, maybe thinking he had kicked his last ball. “Nothing really excited me.” he added.
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Sharp has been in brilliant goalscoring form since moving to Los Angeles Galaxy (AP)Then out of the blue came the chance to join glamour MLS side LA Galaxy which had in the past employed the talents of England icons Beckham, Gerrard and Ashley Cole plus former Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
It was a short term deal until the end of the MLS season but with the option of a further season. Sharp didn’t think twice. He said: “I’ve always wanted to play abroad and the opportunity to move to California is a dream.”
England icons David Beckham and Steven Gerrard both had spells with the Galaxy (Daily Mirror)It’s also been a dream start on the pitch with six goals in the first six games including a hat-trick against Adrian Heath’s Minnesota United, the Galaxy coming back from 3-1 down to whip their fans into a frenzy and assure the veteran striker of instant hero status.
He had also displayed nerves of steel to score on his debut via the penalty spot after coming on a substitute in a 3-0 victory over Chicago Fire.
“It’s been a wonderful experience already,” he admitted. “Everyone has been so welcoming. I’m just doing what I’ve always tried to do, score goals.”
Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom who wanted to keep Sharp was taken by surprise at the move revealing: “I tried to text him and he told me he was on a plane to LA. I thought at first he was going there on holiday! I told him go and make the most out of the opportunity.”
So far Sharp certainly has.