Alexi Lalas, one of the most colorful personalities in American soccer, has rejoined the L.A. Galaxy as president and general manager.
The 35-year-old Lalas replaces the late Doug Hamilton, who died of a heart attack March 9. Lalas left a similar position with the New York Red Bulls.
"I'm filling some incredibly big shoes of a gentleman who was not only a friend, but a legend in terms of this job," Lalas said Monday on a conference call.
"Doug Hamilton on and off the field was everything that I hope to be, and everything I hope to achieve."
The free-spirited Lalas, whose long red hair, goatee and guitar-strumming made him one of the most recognizable athletes in America, played three of his seven MLS seasons for the Galaxy.
A scrappy defender, he led Los Angeles to the CONCACAF Champions Cup in 2000, the U.S. Open Cup in 2001, and the MLS Cup in 2002.
