An old horse doesn’t speed up the harvest, or so goes an ancient Italian folk saying, but it’s an adage that Montreal Impact striker Marco Di Vaio has consistently disproved by leading his team in scoring this year and last.
Nonetheless the 38-year-old from Rome now confirms that this will be his final season.
Di Vaio found himself near the league-lead in scoring last season with 20 goals in his first full season of MLS play after a long career in the Italian Serie A.
In spite of a downturn in input this season, he still shares the team scoring lead with Jack McInerney with six goals.
The Impact have six league games remaining in a disappointing season that has seen the team dead last in points after making the playoffs last year.
In spite of their woes, the team looks likely to advance in the CONCACAF Champions League this winter but it is believed that Di Vaio would not suit up for those games.
In fact, Di Vaio won't be permitted to play the final group stage match-up against the Red Bulls in New York on October 22, as he will be forced to sit as punishment for receiving two yellow cards in group play.
Di Vaio had contemplated retirement last season but was persuaded to return. This year, however, his return is far less likely.
“It's tough for me to say, but I think I'm going back to Italy [next year],” Di Vaio told reporters.
Di Vaio had a slow season until fellow Designated Player Ignacio Piatti joined the club. The two have clicked and the Argentine is among those who have urged Di Vaio to stay.
