LA Galaxy and Black Stars forward Joseph Paintsil has dismissed the notion that Major League Soccer (MLS) is a “retirement league,” warning that many European players can struggle to adapt to the league.
“People say it’s a retirement league, but trust me, a lot of Europeans can go there and flop in the first season,” Paintsil said. “So it’s not a league that should be taken for granted.”
Paintsil, who joined the LA Galaxy from Belgian Pro League side KRC Genk, has enjoyed a successful debut season in the MLS, helping the team win the MLS Cup.
The 26-year-old forward emphasized that the MLS is a competitive league that is “really serious about making an impact in the world.”
He cited the presence of top players like Lionel Messi, Busquets, and Olivier Giroud as evidence of the league’s growing reputation.
Paintsil’s comments serve as a warning to European players who may underestimate the challenges of playing in the MLS.
