By Reinaldo Oliveros
Dec 10, 2023, 09:30 AM EST
LAFC fell to the Columbus Crew 2-1 in the MLS final, but Carlos Vela stated that he wants to continue in Los Angeles and in American soccer amid rumors of a departure to Mexico.
“I would love to continue in the MLS, I love Los Angeles,” he said this Saturday. “Since I arrived I have felt at home, in the city and in the club, everything is good, it has been a very good five years.”
Vela, who scored nine goals and seven assists in 34 games, stated that he needs to rest to think about what his next decision in his career will be and how much he wants to continue playing.
“A year, for sure,” he said. “It’s not about whether you can run or not. All the pain you have during the year, the week because it is harder to enjoy playing. Mentally, there is also strong fatigue. Sometimes it is better to stop in time than to continue crawling. You have to stop at the right time.
“We know that it is not only my decision, it is not only the club’s decision. It is something that we have to value. We have to see if it is the best option to stay together and if not, move on. In the end there are more teams and some will want to count on me.”
Carlos Velan’s teammates have recognized the importance of the Mexican soccer player on and off the field, so they hope he can continue playing for LAFC.
“He is the cornerstone of this team from day one,” said midfielder Ilie Sánchez. “He is the face of the franchise. He is our captain and of course one of the best players in the league. “I can’t imagine this team without him.”
Carlos Vela has 188 games played, 93 goals and 54 goals in six seasons with the Los Angeles team.
Furthermore, in 2022 he was a key player in winning the first title in the history of the American club.
LAFC was close to the two-time championship
LAFC has reached the MLS finals in two consecutive years, but this time fell short after a 2-1 loss to Cucho Hernández’s Columbus Crew.
Colombian Juan Camilo ‘Cucho’ Hernández, MLS Cup champion with the Columbus Crew and MVP of the finalassured this Saturday that this individual and collective success is a reward for all the effort and the closing of a “fantastic year.”
“This means a lot because it was a bit of a difficult decision for me and my family to come from England to the United States,” said the forward, very excited, in the Apple TV broadcast.
Keep reading:
– Carlos Vela and LAFC are left without a two-time championship after being defeated by the Columbus Crew in an intense MLS final
– Colombian ‘Cucho’ Hernández is named MVP of the MLS final and closes a dream year with the Columbus Crew
– Teammates of Mexican Edson Álvarez at West Ham baptized him with another nickname (Video)