Galaxy owner Anschutz Entertainment Group is a part-owner of Swedish club Hammarby, so the news isn’t as strange as it first appears.

Still, Gregg Berhalter has been an assistant coach at the Galaxy for less than a year, so it’s still a big step up.

And it’s a sign of how highly the former central defender is regarded by Galaxy Coach Bruce Arena and clubs in Europe, where Americans generally don’t get much respect, but where Berhalter spent the bulk of his career.

Congratulations to Berhalter, a class act in the locker room and as a person, but as a journalist I bemoan the loss of a great quote. Wonder if he’ll be just as quotable in Swedish?

And here is a quote from Berhalter, supplied by the Galaxy:

“I am excited for the challenge that lies ahead and could not be more thankful to AEG and everyone at Hammarby for giving me the opportunity,” Berhalter said. “While I am saddened to leave a club that means so much to me, I feel that my experiences with the Galaxy both on and off the field have helped prepare me for the journey that lies ahead.”

Full details here.

Who Knew Department: current Galaxy Academy Senior Director Chris Klein is on the Swedish club’s board, the Galaxy said today (now the move makes even more sense).