Dutch midfielder Nigel de Jong joins LA Galaxy after leaving AC Milan

The 31-year-old Dutchman, whose contract with Milan was cancelled last week, follows the likes of Steven Gerrard and Ashley Cole in signing up to play MLS football in Los Angeles.

Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena told lagalaxy.com: "Nigel is an experienced midfielder who will help the players around him get better. He will add qualities on the field that can strengthen our team in all areas. We look forward to Nigel coming to Los Angeles and joining our club."

De Jong arrived in Manchester after successful spells with Ajax and Hamburg and, after winning the 2011-12 Barclays Premier League title with City, moved to Milan. He soon became the Rossoneri captain and made 79 Serie A appearances.

He has earned 80 caps for Holland and helped the Oranje reach the 2010 World Cup final, where he managed to escape punishment for a chest-high challenge on Spain's Xabi Alonso.

LA Galaxy confirmed De Jong would be added to their roster on receipt of international clearance. The new MLS season starts in March.