Ageing stars are still vital to MLS despite ‘retirement league’ barbs

While many clubs have pivoted away from signing fading European stars, the additions of Marco Reus and Olivier Giroud show there is still a place for marquee signings

LA Galaxy. The name alone demands stars. The identity of that city followed by that team name - one that is part of soccer's galacticos lexicon - suggests a certain kind of franchise with a star player. Usually in the twilight of their careers, the arrival of these players in Major League Soccer attracts barbs as well as buzz.

The criticism typically brands MLS as a retirement league," but as 35-year-old Marco Reus became the latest Hollywood signing to land in LA with the Galaxy it is evident that marquee signings are still an important part of American soccer.