Montreal Impact captain Jukka Raitala could be playing his final game for the club on Sunday.
Raitala's contract is up after this season and he admits there is uncertainty about whether he'll be back for 2021. The Impact face D.C. United hoping to clinch a spot in the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs.
“I’ve been happy here, I’ve enjoyed these three years," Raitala told media on a virtual press conference on Thursday. "It’s an honor to be captain of this team. What happens after this year, i don’t know honestly.”
Raitala, 32, has made 69 appearances in his three years with the Impact. He originally came to MLS in 2017 with the Columbus Crew before being selected by LAFC in the 2017 Expansion Draft and immediately traded to the Impact. The versatile defender has started just about every game he's been available for in 2020 under head coach Thierry Henry.
The Finnish international will depart to feature for his country in international games after Montreal's Decision Day clash with D.C. The travel, and quarantine mandates that come with exiting the country, would put his status for the club's playoff game up in the air should they qualify. He noted the decision was something important to him as it's an honor to get called up to the national team.
Raitala has 51 caps for Finland.
“My focus is fully on Sunday," Raitala said. "It’s our last opportunity to take a playoff spot, it’s a very important game.”
