Qatar Super League is not the only league that older, retiring stars go to nowadays. There is also the MLS, the American soccer league, as well as the new up-and-coming Chinese League. All of these leagues are known for one things, bringing in stars at the end of their careers, give them wealth and glory, for the purpose of improving their team and the marketing of the league. While the MLS is slightly different, with the league trying to become an competitor for world football, the Chinese League and Qatar Super League have the similarity that they have a lot of money to spend and are seeking star names to add to their teams. The teams spend upwards of 50 million euros on players which other European teams balked at and refused to pay. An example of the money to spend is Ramires being bought for 25 million euros, an amazing fee as Chelsea have made a profit on a player, five years after buying him and nearing the end stretch of his career. A good example of who has to choose between the Qatar Super League, Chinese League, or the MLS is John Terry of Chelsea. After playing for the team since 17 years old, being captain since 23, has been told he will not receive a new contract and thus must seek a club for the end of the career. He decided to narrow it between the MLS and Qatar Super League. This decision to him is between wealth or fame, with Qatar being able to pay him a final salary significantly larger then a contract he has ever had, while the MLS gives him the opportunity at a new football market and gaining new fans and fame who love sport. It is a tough decision, money versus fame, but many players are going through the same issue when deciding on their final playing league. For more information, read this article: http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/chelsea-captain-terry-entertaining-mls-or-qatar-move-over-china-4118310. What do you think of the MLS, Chinese League, and the Qatar Super League competition for player? Which league would you choose?
Retirement Leagues is a more negative term for leagues attracting star players who are falling out of their prime. For instance, many excellent footballers are choosing to play in the MLS for the later parts of their careers because of the opportunities to compete, do what they love a little longer, and live in amazing cities such as Los Angeles, New York, or Miami. The one signing I will point out that completely goes against the idea of the MLS being a retirement league is Nigel de Jong to the LA Galaxy. Nigel is at the peak of his career right now after making his move over from AC Milan. He came to LA to compete and also to enjoy his life outside of football. And with the likes of Steven Gerrard, Gyasi Zardes, Robbie Keane, Gio Dos Santos, and even Ashley Cole in the starting line-up, the LA Galaxy are going to be a force in the CONCACAF and attract even more fans. More fans, more broadcasting revenues, equals more money for the creation of a solid program and league. I think things are looking bright for the MLS.
ResponderEliminar-Colin Zaccagnio
It is unfortunate that these leagues have gotten know for being the leagues that players who were once good go to play at the end of their career and make lots of money. Luckily, it seems like these leagues have a lot of money to be able to attract star talents, which is given them a business, but as the name suggest they need to find a way to attract young players. I think a way to do that is to have the national foundation for those countries need to spend a great deal of money on youth training to be able to bring up great players who can create a competitive league that can compete with a league like the Premiere League and fortunuately they will have the money to keep them. With this will most likely come a strong fan base and more money.
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