Advertisement

LA Galaxy's incredible gesture for rescued Thai soccer team

The Los Angeles Galaxy have provided an incredible gesture for the Thai junior football team who were rescued from a flooded cave.

After being trapped for more than two weeks their story made worldwide headlines, and they’re now on an international tour to share it.

The team were surprised just days earlier by Zlatan Ibrahimovic on the Ellen DeGeneres show, who they all labelled as their footballing idol.

But the LA Galaxy took it one step further, inviting the team to train alongside the MLS heavyweights in what was an incredible gesture.

LA Galaxy invited the Wild Boars for a training session. Pic: LA Galaxy/Twitter
LA Galaxy invited the Wild Boars for a training session. Pic: LA Galaxy/Twitter

The Wild Boars team, who earlier this month were guests at the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, were given a tour of the Galaxy’s StubHub Center stadium before training with members of the MLS team at a nearby pitch.

The Thai youngsters, aged between 11 and 16, were retrieved from the Tham Luang cave complex in July after a dramatic rescue effort.

Friday’s visit to the Galaxy was set up by US television star Ellen DeGeneres, who hosted the team on her show on Monday – with Ibrahimovic appearing as a surprise guest.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic surprised the Wild Boars on the Ellen DeGeneres show. Pic: EllenTube
Zlatan Ibrahimovic surprised the Wild Boars on the Ellen DeGeneres show. Pic: EllenTube

The team became the centre of global media sensation as the world watched and waited for news of their rescue in June.

Now based in Los Angeles after signing for LA Galaxy for this season, Zlatan took time out of his schedule to make an appearance on the show earlier in the week.

In true Zlatan style, a rockstar entrance quickly ensued.

Zlatan appeared through a throng of smoke and the twelve young boys, including their coach absolutely erupted.

The self-proclaimed “king” made his way around the team, high-fiving each and every one of them before settling on the sofa.

“I thought that was brave, this team, these kids, they are braver than me,” Zlatan said.

“They showed their collective teamwork and patience, faith, and believe in other hands also.

“This is probably the best team in the world.”

with AFP.