Gareth Bale has agreed to join MLS’s Los Angeles FC on a one-year contract.
The striker, a free agent after leaving Real Madrid this summer, had other offers but has opted to move to California and MLS.
Bale seeks to keep fit before Wales appear in the 2022 Qatar World Cup. They qualified last month after beating Ukraine in their World Cup play-off final in Cardiff with a free kick from Bale that Andriy Yarmolenko nodded at home in the only goal of the match.
Dharmesh Sheth of Sky Sports News said: “If we go back just before that famous afternoon when Wales beat Ukraine in the World Cup qualifiers, there was all sorts of speculation about the future of Gareth Bale If Wales had not been able to qualify for the World Cup, there was even talk that Bale would retire from football altogether.
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The captain of Wales, Gareth Bale, has rejected information linking him to a transfer to Getafe, as well as explaining his thinking behind any possible move in the near future.
“Then when he helped Wales qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 64 years, there was even talk that he could join the club in his hometown, the club where he supported as a child in Cardiff City.
“He held talks with Cardiff City coach Steve Morrison about a possible move there and we were talking about a short-term deal to keep him fit for the Qatar World Cup.
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Wales coach Rob Page says Gareth Bale must play regular football to stay in good shape before the World Cup.
“But it looks like he has chosen a one – year deal, some even report that there is another option in that deal, to go to the United States with the MLS LAFC.
“He will also be in good company because Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini will also join the LAFC.”
Bale joined Real Madrid from Tottenham for a world record £ 85.1 million in 2013 and often had a conflicted relationship with the fans and the hierarchy of the League club.
This included high-profile fights with Zinedine Zidane, a redemption in the 2018 Champions League final with a spectacular pitching goal above, and a year on loan to former club Tottenham Hotspur in 2021/22.
But he won three league titles, five Champions League trophies – winning one each last season – plus three UEFA Super Cups, three FIFA Club World Cups, the King’s Cup and the Super Cup. Spain during his stay in Madrid.
On Friday evening, LAFC tweeted a video of a club cap in a box, ready to be sent to someone in a possible mockery of Bale’s imminent arrival.
Journalist’s Notebook: Why Bale’s move to MLS is good for everyone involved
Geraint Hughes of Sky Sports News:
“While Bale’s move to the United States may come as a surprise to some. For those in Wales, this will not be a shock.
“It would have been a big risk for Bale to take even a short contract to play in the championship, the risk of being injured by a wrong entry or just by the wear and tear of one of the toughest leagues in the world. understand, never on the cards.
“Take away the excitement of Bale playing for Cardiff City before the World Cup and it didn’t become too much of a possibility.
“Even before rumors of a move to Cardiff City began to pick up pace, a transfer to the MLS was already being considered. Bale needs to strike a balance between playing, getting fit, while reduces the risk of injury and MLS should provide that balance.
“It also gives Bale the perfect environment to put himself in the right shape to lead Wales to the November World Cup. The weather in terms of weather in California will be ideal, but it’s also an ideal climate for him. and his family.living and working in a certain degree of anonymity.The irony of working for a club in Los Angeles, a city where the world of entertainment reigns, is that there are not too many people who bother Bale nor do you necessarily know who the center of attention is.
“From the perspective of Wales and Page, this is a very good result. Bale’s workload is manageable, but he will also increase his fitness before the World Cup. Wales has been fully confident for some time. in Bale’s ability to manage his own body; A 32-year-old is a fantastic athlete, no matter what you’ve read or heard about his fitness. “
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Earnshaw: A great play for Bale | MLS will love it
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Robert Earnshaw expressed his excitement at welcoming Gareth Bale to MLS
Former Welsh international Robert Earnshaw on Sky Sports News:
“I think he’s picked the best club he could have gone to in the MLS. Right now, they’re the first in the league, so that’s great news. I’m on my way, so if he needs help, I can help him!
“This is a great play for him. He needs to play in the World Cup in a few months and he is also in season. He hasn’t spent much time playing this past season with Real Madrid, now he’s stayed there, so is a new chapter.
“We’re going to see a new Bale in another country, on the MLS. A few weeks ago I thought there was a chance. Getting to know him and having played with him, understanding his mindset, I think he’ll love it.
“I was at LAFC a few weeks ago and the atmosphere is amazing there, the fans are amazing, a very good stadium and you will love it.
“Everywhere you go, he will be competitive. He will find a challenge, it will not be easy for him because it is a fast, end-to-end league and you have to be fit. He will give you the fitness you need.
“MLS will love to have him. He will bring all his skills and I think he will do very well.”
Bale says goodbye to Real Madrid fans
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Gareth Bale received a positive reception from Real Madrid fans during a trophy parade at the Santiago Bernabéu as he prepared to say goodbye to the summer.
Bale signed his nine-year “dream” at Real Madrid with an open letter to the club’s fans.
His relationship with the club’s fans deteriorated so he was often perceived as a shy work mentality towards the end of his time in Spain, which was not helped when he was photographed next to the flag of an “Wales, Golf, Madrid” fan in November 2019 after helping his country qualify for Euro 2020.
Despite this, he received enthusiastic applause when he made his last public appearance as a Real player during his return home from the Champions League in May, and responded with an open letter to the club’s fans on social media. .
He wrote on Twitter: “I am writing this message to thank all my teammates, past and present, my managers, the back room staff and the fans who supported me.
“I came here nine years ago when I wanted to make my dream of playing for Real Madrid come true. Wearing the pristine white shirt, wearing the shield on my chest, playing at the Santiago Bernabéu, winning titles and being part of what is so famous , win the Champions League.
“Now I can look back, reflect and say honestly that this dream came true and much, much more. Being part of the history of this club and achieving what we achieved when I was a Real Madrid player has been amazing. Experience and one I will never forget.
“I also want to thank President Florentino Pérez, José Ángel Sánchez, and the board of directors for giving me the opportunity to play for this club. Together we have been able to create moments that will live forever in the history of this club and football.
“It’s been an honor. Thank you! HALA MADRID!”