Papu Gómez rejected offers from Major League Soccer
The midfielder from Argentina had a serious offer from FC Cincinnati to continue his career in Major League Soccer, but he decided to sign for Sevilla.
Major League Soccer has improved significantly over its 25 years and a number of players from around the world are now interested in playing in the United States in the prime of their careers, or if not their absolute prime, while they still have a major contribution to make to the game. Players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Andrea Pirlo, Kaká, Sebastián Giovinco and David Beckham are just some of the many elite players that left a mark in the MLS.
Papu Gómez wanted to stay in Europe
Other players however decide to stay in European top tier leagues even though Major League Soccer has become an interesting destination. One example: Alejandro ‘Papu’ Gómez. During an interview with Sky Sports, the 33-year-old confirmed that he had serious offers from various MLS clubs, but he wanted to continue playing in Europe.
“I had big offers from MLS and Saudi Arabia clubs and they were going to pay me a lot of money, but that didn’t seduce me. I know there are people that wanted me to disappear in those countries, but my priority was always to stay in Europe and that is why I accepted Sevilla’s offer. I am happy to be here, “ he said.
Sad after leaving Atalanta after seven years
It was later confirmed that FC Cincinnati was the MLS team that had made a bid to sign Papu ahead of the 2021 season that is set to start on 17 April. The 33-year-old also lamented the way he exited Atalanta after 7 seasons due to the personal problems he had with the Italian manager Gian Piero Gasperini.
“I have a hard time watching the Atalanta games because it hurts me not being there with my teammates. I am happy for them because they are having a good season, but I just can’t watch. Right now I am sad and I hope with time that feeling disappears,” he added.