LAFC fans rejoiced this week when the club’s first ever signing, Carlos Vela, officially made his return to the place he achieved legendary status.
The Mexican forward captained the club as they won their first ever MLS Cup and two Supporters Shield, but now he’s back to potentially play a role in another season that ends in silverware for the Black and Gold.
“I don’t come just for vacation,” Vela said. “I want to finish my career playing as best as I can. If we can win some trophies, it will be amazing for the end of this long period of my life and close it in that way. That’s why I’m here and that’s why I’m trying to do my best to be the best as possible.”
But the LAFC and MLS legend has found his way home as the SoCal club are in the midst of a late-season slump. Steve Cherundolo’s side have slipped down to third in the Western Conference after dropping points in their last four MLS games.
After looking like Supporters Shield contenders throughout most of the campaign, LAFC now sit just four points clear of seventh place and face the possibility of missing out on playing a home playoff game in the opening round.
Time will tell what role Vela will play in an attack lead by Denis Bouanga, Mateusz Bogusz, and Olivier Giroud, but you wouldn’t put it past the prolific winger to make an impact upon his return.