Paul Arriola has explained turning down LA Galaxy to sign for Mexico's Club Tijuana.

The Galaxy have lost other academy products to clubs in Germany and Guatemala, but Arriola's high-profile exit is the first time they've lost a player to Tijuana.

"I thank the Galaxy for giving me a wonderful opportunity to train with their first team and be a part of their first team which really taught me a lot," Arriola told MLSsoccer.com upon making the decision, "but ultimately, I believe that Tijuana is the best place for me and my future."

Galaxy president Chris Klein said: "Our players shouldn't be leaving to go to Mexico. Are some going to leave? Yes. But they are in our back yard, and their clubs are fighting to get into our academy's training, to watch our players play. We have agents trying to get in, speaking with our players every day. It is a major issue."