It isn’t a secret that LAFC star Carlos Vela was close to joining La Liga giants Barcelona in 2019 before the move collapsed for unknown reasons. Now Vela decided to share the story behind the scenes, revealed that it was actually LAFC who stopped the transfer.
Barca was in need of an attacking boost in January last year, and had their eyes set on the Mexican forward. The Spanish side intended to bring him on loan for four months, and Vela was all in on the idea.
“Barca set up a scenario of [going there for] four months at that time, and I accepted it because it was a very good opportunity,” Vela revealed in a recent interview with GQ Mexico.
However, LAFC wasn’t ready to let their best player leave and be away for the better part of the regular season.
“LAFC did not make it easy for me to leave, although it is understandable,” Vela added. “In the end, they seek the best for themselves, and everyone else does too. I tried, it didn’t come off and there’s no problem because I am more than happy here.”
It turned out that LAFC made a great decision, as Carlos Vela delivered a career season in 2019. Vela scored MLS-record 36 goals in 33 games and added 11 assists. He ended up leading the team to the first seed in West en route to winning the MLS MVP award as well.
Vela opened the 2020 season in the same manner, scoring twice in the first two games of 2020. He also added two goals in Concacaf Champions League.
