San Jose Earthquakes legend Chris Wondolowski is returning for his 18th MLS season in 2021.
The Quakes announced on Friday that Wondolwski, who turns 38 in January, signed a new one-year contract with the club to front their attack in the upcoming season.
Wondolowski initially intended to retire after the 2020 MLS season but changed his mind after the season played out without fans in the stands.
“I was fully committed to making 2020 the final year of my career, but I’ve reconsidered and can’t wait to join my teammates one more time as we look to bring an MLS Cup back to San Jose,” said Wondolowski, who scored nine goals last season. “The fans have consistently supported me through the ups and downs and I’d always regret not properly saying goodbye.”
Wondolowski hinted at the possibility of returning in 2021 earlier in the offseason but said that it was up to San Jose’s sporting director Jesse Fioranelli and Matias Almeyda to make that happen. The duo obviously didn’t need much convincing and jumped on the opportunity to have the veteran striker back on their roster.
By playing one more year, Chris Wondolowski will have an opportunity not just to say a proper goodbye to Quakes fans but also to add to his MLS record goal tally that currently stands at 166 regular-season goals.
He also has a chance to overtake Landon Donovan for the most goals in the regular season and playoffs, needing three to break the LA Galaxy legend’s record.
