Door left open for former Arsenal striker to return to national side after 6 years

Former Arsenal striker Carlos Vela could be in line for a surprise return to international football after Mexico‘s head coach, Javier Aguirre, left the door open for the 35-year-old to rejoin the national team.

Vela hasn’t played for Mexico since the 2018 World Cup, but Aguirre’s recent comments suggest a potential comeback could be on the cards.

“I do not close the door to anything or anyone,” Aguirre told reporters. “They are footballers and are eligible to play for Mexico. I do not look at other things, only that they are in good form and want to be a part of the team.”

Aguirre’s comments come as Vela recently returned to Los Angeles FC after an eight-month hiatus, having been released by the same side at the start of the year.

Vela has enjoyed a prolific career with LAFC, becoming one of the most important players for the club since joining them in 2018 from Real Sociedad.

Despite his club success, Vela has been absent from international duty for years, often citing a desire to leave space for younger players amid rumours of dressing room issues.

Vela’s Arsenal journey

Carlos Vela’s journey began when he joined Arsenal in 2005 at the age of 16. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, such as scoring a hat-trick on his full debut for the Gunners as a 19-year-old, Vela struggled to cement his place in the first team. During his time at Arsenal, Vela made 62 appearances, scoring 11 goals and providing eight assists.

Reflecting on his time at the club, Vela admitted that he wasn’t ready for such a big move at a young age. “I was not ready for that, everything was too fast, and I was very young,” he said in a 2020 interview.

After several loan spells with clubs like Celta de Vigo, UD Salamanca, and CA Osasuna, Vela eventually left Arsenal permanently for Real Sociedad in 2012, where he would go on to achieve more success.

Aguirre on Vela’s potential return

Aguirre’s comments about Vela weren’t the only ones directed at potential national team returnees. The manager also mentioned that 39-year-old goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, currently contracted to AVS Futebol in Portugal, could still have a role to play with Mexico. “The door is open and his experience is a plus,” Aguirre said of Ochoa. “I don’t focus on age, but on quality. I focus a lot on desire. They need to be proud and comfortable about being a part of the national team.”

For Vela, Aguirre’s comments were particularly encouraging, as the coach highlighted the forward’s immense talent and the joy he has brought to the national team in the past. “I’m glad that Carlos is back,” Aguirre stated. “He has given us a lot of joy, he has a lot of talent. I repeat, the doors are open for him and for everyone.”

Vela’s history with Mexico

Carlos Vela has earned 72 caps for Mexico, scoring 19 goals in his international career. However, his time with the national team has not been without controversy. After the 2018 World Cup, Vela decided to step away from international duty, claiming that it was time to make space for younger players to have their opportunities. In 2022, when asked about his decision not to return to the national team, Vela made it clear that he had no intention of changing his mind, stating, “I don’t have to say anything to anyone.”

Despite this, it seems that Vela could reconsider his position, especially with Aguirre’s public invitation. His return to LAFC suggests that he still has plenty to offer on the pitch, and his experience could be invaluable to Mexico as they look to build a competitive squad.

Vela’s club success after Arsenal

After leaving Arsenal, Carlos Vela found his best form at Real Sociedad, scoring 73 goals and providing 43 assists in 250 appearances. His move to LAFC in 2018 took his career to another level, where he has since scored 93 goals and provided 54 assists in 188 appearances.

He won his first major club honours with LAFC, including the Supporters’ Shield, while also claiming the Golden Boot and MVP Award.

A potential comeback

While it remains uncertain whether Vela will take Aguirre up on the offer, the fact that the door has been left open signals a significant shift in the approach of Mexico’s national team management. Should he accept the invitation, Vela would bring a wealth of experience and skill to the squad, qualities that could prove invaluable as Mexico prepares for future international competitions.