Vela hints at Real Sociedad departure

Carlos Vela has revealed that he considered leaving Real Sociedad during the summer and says that he could still leave the club in a forthcoming transfer window.

The Mexico international was heavily linked with a move to MLS last month, after international team-mate Giovani Dos Santos joined LA Galaxy, while West Ham were also credited with an interest.

Vela stayed put, however, though the 26-year-old has refused to rule out a move in the future.

"There are always options, in every transfer window. This summer, I had the most options of moving to another club but nothing happened in the end," Vela is quoted as saying by AS Sport.

"You always have to study offers and I did think about the ones I received – including the chance to be closer to my country but right now, the market has closed and I am a Real Sociedad player. I'm committed to this club.

"I spoke to [chairman] Jokin [Aperribay] as I always have done when I have received offers or have any doubts. Communication has never been an issue - we were in contact throughout the summer.

"I didn't tell him that I was planning to leave or anything like that; we just spoke about my situation. I am happy at this club and in this city but sometimes you have to think ahead to the future so that you are prepared when a cycle comes to an end.

"I have always supported team-mates who have moved on to further their careers and will continue to do so. I'm happy with my team mates and I'm happy living in San Sebastian but if one day I need to leave, it will be because I need something different – not because I don’t want to play for Real Sociedad."

Vela added: "All I know that I will be happy here at La Real until January and when the winter window opens, we'll see what happens when the winter window opens or next summer because there will always be options. You never know what will happen."