Carlos Vela, LAFC confirm contract extension, resume title pursuit
Addressing the Supporters’ Shield leaders midway through the Major League Soccer season, John Thorrington took note of the locker room’s reaction to his long-awaited news.
Four days before the 33-year-old Mexican forward was slated for free agency, confirmation of the signing evoked a standing ovation from his teammates. Vela’s extension comes on the heels of LAFC signing former Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale and former Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini to Targeted Allocation Money deals as the club loads up to chase a title. Both of them should be eligible to play next week.
When the ball is at his feet, there is no mistaking Vela for anything but elite. Beyond that, Thorrington described Vela as often misunderstood and shunned portrayals of him as difficult to deal with. Not once has Vela asked for special treatment and, generally speaking, the “best player we’ve had in our history,” the one with the megawatt smile and movie star hair, is “really likable” and carries himself like “one of the guys.