Carlos Vela agreed to return to Los Angeles until the end of the season, after leaving the club in December and being without a team this year, but why? He explained it himself during his presentation with the California franchise.

"I'm happy to be back with the team, to enjoy the final stretch of my career. When the league ended (last year), it seemed like it was the end, but I didn't know it was the last, and I want to enjoy these final matches, finish on a high note, and, after so much time, enjoy it knowing this is the end," the Mexican said during his presentation.

Vela, 35, was without a team for nine months and admitted that he will have to work very hard to regain good form. "Right now, I'm not ready to play anywhere," he said with a laugh.

"I enjoyed it (the last few months without a team) much more than I had imagined. I've been doing the same thing for years, playing professionally since I was 16, but then you enjoy your family and other things that football sacrifices take away from you," he explained.

He emphasized that last January he decided not to stay in Los Angeles because there were things that didn't convince him, adding that football is a business.

"At the time, things weren’t how I wanted them to be. Now, it’s different, a new perspective. Things change, and when the moment comes, you make decisions. In January, it seemed right not to accept, to continue with my life and enjoy it, and now the decision has been made," he explained.

"The goal is to win, finish the year enjoying it. I’m going to work as hard as possible and try to do well," he added.

Will Carlos Vela play for Mexico again?

Although he didn’t answer explicitly, Vela implied that his chapter with the Mexican national team remains closed, saying that "many things would have to happen for me to consider that."

The Mexican forward mentioned that he’s focused on the short term and plans to retire in Los Angeles. "I'm thinking about this season, and then decisions will be made. I'll most likely retire in Los Angeles, and from there I'll take other paths. I'll be able to make plans with my family, travel, enjoy, and make up for lost years," he said.

Vela reached an agreement for the remainder of the 2024 season with an option for 2025, strengthening an LAFC squad with a powerful offense featuring Frenchman Olivier Giroud, Gabonese Denis Bouanga, Polish Mateusz Bogusz, and Uruguayan Cristian Olivera.

Considered one of the greatest players in MLS history, Vela is LAFC's all-time leader in matches played (152), minutes (11,194), goals (78), and assists (59).