MLS
Leo Campana reveals the reasons behind his departure from Inter Miami
In an interview with EFE, the Ecuadorian striker explained that his departure was based on sporting not for financial motives.
Leo Campana is now part of Inter Miami history. The forward, the first big transfer of the postseason, said goodbye to the ‘Garzas’ as the second best goal scorer in their history.
A farewell with a bittersweet taste, as Campana himself confirmed in an interview with Spanish agency EFE. And for the forward, his departure was more than necessary for a weighty reason: he wants to play a key role in Ecuador reach the 2026 World Cup.
Ecuador are currently third in the CONMEBOL standings, with 19 points from 12 games and in a good position to qualify for the 2026 World Cup with six qualifiers left to play.
Campana eyeing 2026 World Cup
“The decision is to be closer to the national team and, obviously, to be a protagonist. I have spoken with the coach (Sebastián Beccacece) and he asks me to play. Doing things right, I know that I will have a place within the Tri. I have the goal of being in the 2026 World Cup in my sights,” the player told EFE.
“I don’t want to go for a walk or simply be on the bench, but I want to go to compete for a place and play in a World Cup. The truth is that it is a debt that I have pending with myself,” he added.
At 24, Campana is still looking for perfection. At Inter Miami, Luis Suárez’s arrival directly affected his playing opportunities, and he also saw his minutes reduced to almost residual in some games.
However, the Ecuadorian found in the Uruguayan the ideal teacher that he so desperately needed. “I know that I haven’t had many options because I have Luis, who for me has been the best striker of the last ten years. It’s not a question of my level, but rather that Luis has obviously always been a scorer in the teams he’s been on and now he renewed,” he says.
Leo’s departure was practically obligatory, both for his individual aspirations and the team’s need to lower the salary cap. Up to five MLS teams tried to sign him this December, but in the end New England Revolution snapped him up in a recording-breaking deal.
The promise of being handed an important tole in the team played a part in his decision: “I am a person who knows that, having the minutes that I deserve to have and that I should have no matter what team I am in, I have no doubt that that number (of goals) will increase and triple, God willing,” he said.
Back to Europe?
Campana was one of the best players in MLS last season, but the possibility of returning to Europe is always on his mind. Wolves signed him at just 20 years old for two million euros. His time at Molineux was not entirely convincing - a string of loan moves until his switch to Inter Miami in January 2023.
It remains a thorn in his side that he undoubtedly wants to remove: “If I return, it would be to the three ‘top’ leagues: Spain, England or Italy. First I need to have a regular season as a starter and get the minutes I need. It’s the only way to show what I’m made of and for the goals to come,” he concluded.