Juninho’s replacement, fellow Brazilian midfielder Marcelo Sarvas, is under no illusions about his role at the Galaxy. He’s not Juninho, but his role is the same: bring the best out of David Beckham.

“I know the story of Junnho here at this club,” he said. “He came in and did big things here. I’m not coming here to replace Juninho. I’m here to implement my own game.

“David is a player I need to find a way to open up the game for him, get him the ball in space so he can have the opportunity to create great things.”

Incidentally, Sarvas conducted virtually the entire interview in his native tongue even though his English sounds just fine.

The funniest moment came when he quickly broke into English after he was asked how he thought his style of play would fit with the Galaxy.

“I’m Brazilian,” he shot back as if that was the only explanation required.