The former Mexican international and LAFC are bidding to win back-to-back MLS Cups against Columbus Crew on Saturday.
Roddy ConsRoddyConsUpdate: Dec 7th, 2023 17:22 EST
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Los Angeles FC schemer Carlos Vela has been one of the best players to ever grace Major League Soccer, helping The Black and Gold win two Supporters’ Shields and last year’s MLS Cup, as well as receiving a number of individual accolades. Ahead of Saturday’s showpiece final against Columbus Crew, however, the Mexican has revealed we won’t be seeing too much more of him out of the field.
Vela out of contract with LAFC on Sunday
As far as the 34-year-old’s future goes, the waters are muddied significantly by the fact his LAFC contract expires on Sunday, the day after he could become a back-to-back MLS Cup winner.
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Carlos Vela receives a standing ovation from LAFC fans after being taken off in the Western Conference final win over Houston Dynamo. HARRY HOWAFP
When asked about what comes next after the weekend clash at Lower.com Field, Vela dropped a big hint as to whether he is likely yo continue in Los Angeles and when he could retire from playing.
How much longer will the Mexican keep playing?
“As far as my future goes, that’s the way life and soccer is. My contract expires on Sunday, I’ll be a free agent. We’ll have talks and we’ll see if I can carry on playing here. I’d be delighted to stay, but if not, I’ll look for something else and will keep enjoying the little time I have left playing soccer.
”I want to make the right decision. I might play for another year or two, but the end is near and I have to enjoy it.
“Everybody knows how happy I am in LA, how happy I am in this team, but it’s a business. We know sometimes it’s not everything the way you want. We will see. I’m just thinking about the final.”
Carlos Vela says nothing decided on his LAFC future, with his contract expiring:"Everybody knows how happy I am in LA, how happy i am in this team, but it’s a business. We know sometimes it’s not everything the way you want. … We will see… I’m just thinking about the final.” pic.twitter.com/uvXU7STFbB
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) December 7, 2023
Will Vela stay at LAFC?
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo suggested his employers were keen to keep Vela in California.
“I love working with Carlos, he is a great person,” Cherundolo. “Every day it is a pleasure to see that left foot, whether in training or in games, it is something special.
