LAFC Forward Carlos Vela Photo by Claudia Gestro

Claudia Gestro Los Angeles News Sports 

Carlos Vela will not play in MLS is Back Tournament

Los Angeles Post-Examiner staff 525 Views
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Top photo by Claudia Gestro

In what is certainly disappointing news for LAFC fans, but is understandable in the COVID-19 era, LAFC forward Carlos Vela and the team made it official: Vela will not participate in the MLS is Back Tournament.

In the statement issued by the team, in both English and Spanish, Vela says his decision was based on his wife being pregnant at this time and his desire to stay at home to not only be with her, but to also protect her health and that of their unborn child.

Carlos Vela
(Claudia Gestro)

The team understands the disappointment the fans have, knowing their star player won’t be in Orlando, but encourage everyone to stand with Vela for making this difficult decision. Below is the text of the team’s combined statement with Carlos.

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The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) and forward Carlos Vela today announced that Vela will not play in the upcoming MLS is Back Tournament, due to a family situation.

Statement from Carlos Vela:

“I would like nothing more than to be with my teammates in Orlando. I always want to give everything I have to my Club, our fans and supporters and the city of L.A. However, it is in the best interest of the health of my family to stay home and be with my wife during what is a risky pregnancy. I will miss being with my teammates and coaches, but I will be cheering and supporting LAFC from a distance. I can’t wait to be back on the field, playing for all of you and accomplishing great things with our Club. Vamos LAFC!”

“Nada me gustaría más que estar con mis compañeros en Orlando. Yo siempre quiero dar lo mejor de mí para el Club, nuestra afición y la ciudad de Los Ángeles. Sin embargo, he decidido que lo más importante para la salud de mi familia es que me quede en casa durante un embarazo complicado para mi esposa. Voy a extrañar al grupo pero los estaré apoyando desde la distancia y los espero con el trofeo de vuelta en casa. Pronto llegará el día en el que podamos estar juntos nuevamente y seguir logrando cosas importantes para nuestro Club. ¡Vamos LAFC!”

Statement from LAFC Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager John Thorrington:

“LAFC fully supports and respects the difficult decision Carlos and his family have made to not participate in the MLS Is Back Tournament. We have had numerous conversations with Carlos throughout this process and understand his unique situation and the importance of Carlos being home with his family at this time. We appreciate the support from the league, and we look forward to having Carlos re-join the Club when we return from Orlando and begin moving forward with the rest of the season.”

“LAFC apoya y respeta plenamente la decisión que Carlos y su familia han tomado de no participar en el Torneo MLS is Back. Hemos tenido varias conversaciones con Carlos durante este proceso y entendemos su situación y la importancia de que se quede en casa con su familia. Apreciamos el apoyo de la liga, y esperamos contar con Carlos al regresar de Orlando para disputar el resto de la temporada”.