Carlos Vela’s shocking decision to leave his starting position at Real Sociedad, a member of Spain’s highly competitive La Liga, to sign on to play in MLS’s Los Angeles F.C.’s inaugural season in 2018 has brought out the critics in droves. Chicharito, apparently, is having none of it.
In a press conference held yesterday, Chicharito took to the mic to support his Mexican National team mate on his decision to play for LAFC.
“I’m happy if he [Vela] is happy,” Hernandez said. “Anyone does with his or her life whatever he or she wants to do. He did it for a reason, and I know he’ll be happy…They are my teammates and I love them and admire them. I’m tired of looking at the negative side of things whenever questions are made in Mexico — whether we win, lose or draw; whether some guys play abroad, whether they’re pursuing their happiness; whether some players grow. It’s just about everything. There’s always a negative side to everything.”
Vela’s move comes just two weeks from fellow Mexican national team regular Jonathon Dos Santos leaving La Liga’s Villarreal to sign with MLS’s LA Galaxy to play with his brother, Mexican national team forward Giovani Dos Santos.
It’s a well-known fact that the quality of competition between European leagues such as the Premier League (where Chicharito currently plays for West Ham United), La Liga, or Germany’s Bundesliga and the U.S.’s MLS is an infinite gulf. MLS has developed a reputation around the world as a league where passed-their-prime international stars can pass time, collect large paychecks, and eventually exit the game. A professional retirement home of sorts for the likes of David Beckham (LA Galaxy), Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls), Kaka (Orlando City FC), Andrea Pirlo and David Villa (New York City FC).
Mexican National Football Team coach Juan Carlos Osorio has made his opinion clear on his preference to have his players competing in much more challenging leagues to develop their talent and sharpen their skills. With the 2018 World Cup only a year away and having been knocked out of their last two meaningful tournaments including a 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Germany’s “B”-squad during this summer’s Confederations Cup, many argue that Osorio has every right to be concerned.
According to Vela’s twitter post, he is likely set to play his final game for Real Sociedad on Dec. 20 vs. Sevilla.
