Legendary footballers from around the world have recently made the move to the United States in order to continue their playing career. There has certainly been a change in the attitude towards the MLS from the rest of the world, not least down to a successful World Cup campaign from the United States.

But when a huge star from the likes of Barcelona or ex-Arsenal playmaker moves to an American team, the world will take notice.

On the face, it is of course great for the game and for the supporters to see big names coming over to their local team.  But when examined deeper, the motives of these footballers to move should be questioned and examined in the best interests of the MLS.

In recent years David Beckham, Juan Pablo Angel, Freddie Ljungberg, Thierry Henry and Rafael Marquez have all made the trip to America to play their trade as footballers. These players represent some of the best footballers in the world and have played for  top clubs around Europe.

However, out of those names, the only one to set the league alight so far has been Juan Pablo Angel.

Granted the likes of Henry have not had the time yet, but I do believe there to be a reason behind this. Angel's move to the New York Red Bulls came after indifferent spells at clubs around Europe and the MLS offered him a route out and an opportunity to prove that, in the right league, he can score goals for fun and I believe it is the fact that he needed to prove. A point that sets him apart.

Beckham and Ljungberg have failed to really set the league alight so far with Beckham especially mediocre at times.

This could lead to signs that the footballers that are making the move stateside are doing so for an easy ride until the end of their career. Many seem to enjoy the lifestyle rather than seeing the move as a credible move for their footballing career.

It is this relaxed attitude that will not dispel any of the myths that the MLS may be seen as a lesser league and that any footballers with any credibility will be playing in Europe of South America at the very least.

Now of course, there is a transition period in which the sport and the league will only grow at a certain rate and these marquee signings are certainly a step in the right direction but MLS fans should not be getting carried away.

While the players that are coming over are certainly forcing people to take notice of the league, it also bares the resemblance of the pasture that those old warhorses are travelling to, and until the attraction for young exciting players grows it will continue to be the final resting place of some great footballer's careers.

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