Gareth Bale puts an end to speculation about his future when he joins LAFC in MLS to try to stay fit for the World Cup, and perhaps continue to play further.
- Welsh striker Gareth Bale has joined Los Angeles FC in MLS
- Bale had been linked with a move to Cardiff while seeking regular action
- The five-time Real Madrid Champions League winner has scored 106 goals since 2013
- The LAFC signed Italian and Juventus legend Giorgio Chiellini earlier this month
By Simon Jones for the Daily Mail and Ben Willcocks for Mailonline
Posted: 16:27, 25 June 2022 | Updated: 22:31, June 25, 2022
Gareth Bale has ended uncertainty about his future by joining American club Los Angeles FC to get fit for the World Cup and potentially extend his career after that.
Bale, who became a free agent after leaving Real Madrid late last season, is expected to officially join MLS this week with an initial 12-month contract, despite holding talks with Cardiff. City.
The 32-year-old former Tottenham star is set to make his debut against former David Beckham club LA Galaxy on July 9 after the US transfer window officially opens.
Wales star Gareth Bale has agreed to sign a one-year deal with LAFC in California
Crucially for Bale, the MLS season lasts until November, fifteen days before the start of the first final campaign of the Wales World Cup since 1958, in Qatar.
While his current deal in LA takes him until June 2023, when next year’s MLS season will only be halfway through, Bale has the option to continue for 18 months beyond if his family he settles in and enjoys his football.
Going to America, Bale follows in the footsteps of some of the most famous names in British football, from Bobby Moore to Beckham and Wayne Rooney.
The Welsh international scored 106 goals in 258 appearances during his time at Real Madrid
He made a name for himself in England with Southampton and Spurs, but it was his nine years in Madrid that secured his reputation, winning five Champions League titles.
A close friend of Bale’s said, “He will not only go there to be fit for the World Cup, but also to enjoy LA and MLS, and if he enjoys it, he will keep playing.”
With several outside business interests and a passion for golf, Bale didn’t try to play until his thirties as Cristiano Ronaldo, but now he has a chance to extend his career in the short term, although MLS fans will be interested. seeing his mentality after the World Cup.
With 23,500 spectators, the Bank of California Stadium hosted the MLS All-Star Game in 2021
The former Real Madrid striker will team up with Italian legend Giorgio Chiellini in Los Angeles
Bale will also be in the company of Hollywood actor Will Ferrell, owner of the club
Los Angeles FC is among the favorites to win the MLS this season and the recently signed Italian legend Giorgio Chiellini of Juventus.
Wales ’first match in Qatar is against the US on 22 November.