Sure, Gio always wanted a bigger club, but rather than take a pay cut and stay in Europe at a smaller club, he came stateside for the cash. He seems very happy now (save for Toronto’s playing surface). Not everybody will chase the money, but I guarantee that many would if offered more than their options in Europe. Some players make decisions based on their aspersions, while others make lifestyle decisions that set their families up for long term happiness.
Example: I won’t take a multi year job I absolutely hate unless it’s paying FU level money, but if one company is paying one and a half to twice that of another with better perks but the quality of work is less “sexy,” I’d personally jump on it in a heartbeat because of what the long term implications are for my family. Five years of work is the equivalent of 7-10 depending on the financial package - that is game changing. It’d be the same with soccer players who have a limited playing career - entice them with money they cannot refuse because a 25yo may have 7-8 years of solid play left in Europe but in MLS he could make the equivalent of 10-15 years of salary/bonus.
