Major League Soccer club Portland Timbers’ owner Merritt Paulson feels America is an attractive destination for Wayne Rooney’s pre-retirement career. He stated that a player of his calibre would have a big impact in the league which is increasingly witnessing the recruitment of world-class footballers. Paulson believes that MLS would be an ideal fit for Rooney in terms of the legacy and lifestyle amongst other factors, which should be enough to convince him away from a move to China.
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Last year, Wayne Rooney had not denied the possibility of his move to MLS after he decides to end his Manchester United career. He seems to be keen on such a move following his England team-mates Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. Furthermore, his brother John has also made 14 appearances in the MLS for New York Red Bulls and Orlando City.
"I would argue he still has some good soccer ahead of him," Paulson told the Mirror.
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"I think he would be a great signing for MLS - 100 per cent MLS would be attractive for him. Keeping in mind that is a very talented footballer, who has quality soccer ahead of him, you are not talking about a 34- or 35-year-old. I get excited about the impact he would have in the MLS more than a guy who is coming in later in his career."
MLS has already attracted the likes of other former Premier League stars such as Kaka, Andrea Pirlo, Didier Drogba and David Villa. With the onus on upgrading the level of football in the country, David Beckham has also invested in a Miami-based franchise that is a part of the MLS expansion drive.
However, the Chinese league seems to be rivalling MLS equally with their big-spending clubs luring away football superstars. In response, Paulson appeared unmoved by the question of competition as he believes MLS is still a better prospect on account of a variety of factors.
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Paulson continued, "China is a factor, but also players need to determine where they want to play and what is going to be best for their legacy and lifestyle – where they want to live. I think America compares really favourably - I wouldn't want to play soccer in Beijing right now. I am not saying that because I don't like China but the air quality issue is something they have to deal with in a sport which requires fitness."
