Latif Blessing is staying in Los Angeles. But he can't wait to go back to Ghana.
"Now in Ghana, everybody loves LAFC. Everybody! Because of me. I respect everybody when I go to Ghana, so now everybody is like 'LAFC! LAFC!' In Ghana now, LAFC is everywhere," Blessing said after training with his LAFC teammates on Wednesday. "My village? Oh, come on. When I go back I'll buy LAFC stuff... when I go back, everybody is going to wear LAFC."
Like most days at the LAFC Performance Center, Blessing is his usual effusive self. Players and staff openly talk about the joy Blessing brings to training each day. But this week, there's a bit more sparkle.
Blessing scored the second goal in LAFC's 2-0 win at the New England Revolution. Bruce Arena's side had been unbeaten in 11 matches coming into the contest. And on Monday, LAFC announced a multi-year contract extension - complete with a nice raise in salary - had been signed by the midfielder. Blessing, who previously had his 2020 option picked up by the Club, is now under contract with the Black & Gold until 2022.
“I know I speak for fans and staff alike that Latif has won everyone over with his infectious energy and play, and he is well-deserving of his new contract,” said EVP & General Manager John Thorrington. “His game continues to grow, and we know he will play an integral part in the Club’s success on and off the field moving forward.”
Away from the pitch, Blessing's thoughts often return to his hometown. The midfielder calls family and friends before and after every match. They always finish the call by asking Blessing to score a goal for them. After doing just that on Saturday, and with more than a few extra bucks coming his way following the announcement of his new contract, Blessing wants to give more than goals.
"First of all, I thank LAFC for making my dream come true. I just want to help people," Blessing said. "Always, I just pray to help people in my village. I just tell them, 'Pray for me. When I get money, I'm going to help.' Now the dream has come true. When I go back to Ghana, I'm going to help."
Last year, Blessing started the #ShareTheBlessing campaign. With the help of the Club, teammates, fans, and local businesses, Blessing collected new and used soccer cleats, balls, and jerseys to supply kids in his hometown of Nankese in the southeast of Ghana. His ultimate goal is to set up a development academy there to help showcase the talents of players in the local area and provide avenues for players to play and study with equipment and school supplies.
But Blessing wants to do even more. He's asked friends to help him identify families in need back home. He intends to visit them with money for clothes, food, shoes, or whatever they might need.
"I'm ready to help. All the time when I'm praying, I pray to God to give me money for those that don't have it," Blessing said. "So now, God answered my prayers and I have to do what I told God I am going to do.
"When I go back to Ghana, when I land, that's the first thing that I'm going to do."
