Carlos Vela has officially retired from professional football at the age of 36. This brings an end to a 19-year career that spanned top leagues in Europe and North America.
The former Arsenal and Real Sociedad forward announced his decision on Instagram on Tuesday, writing:
“Throughout my career, I have experienced some very special moments, but the time has come to officially retire from professional football. It has been an honour and a privilege to share my career with all of you.”
Vela made 29 Premier League appearances for Arsenal and found greater success in La Liga during a seven-year spell with Real Sociedad.
Internationally, he earned 72 caps for Mexico and won the CONCACAF Gold Cup twice.
He became a star in Major League Soccer after joining Los Angeles FC in 2018. Carlos Vela won both the MLS Cup and US Open Cup and setting a league record with 34 goals in the 2019 season.
“He has been the heartbeat, the captain, and the face of LAFC,” said LAFC co-president John Thorrington.
