LAFC attacker Carlos Vela reveals when he is planning to retire from playing soccer

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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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.”

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.

“But his future depends on him and LAFC. I will find out on January 13 when the preseason begins,” he added.

Since going The Black and Gold in 2018, Vela has been named in the MLS Best XI three times and won both the Golden Boot and MVP Award in 2019 after scoring a record 34 MLS goals.