MLS side Los Angeles FC confirm Gareth Bale signing
Gareth Bale says he is “extremely excited” by his move to the United States after Los Angeles FC confirmed his signing on a 12-month contract with options through to 2024.
Bale, whose contract at Real Madrid expires in the next few days, announced his move to the Major League Soccer side in a video posted on social media on Saturday.
The Wales captain had been strongly linked with a move to hometown club Cardiff ahead of the World Cup in November.
But Bale chose to head to California instead and said: “I am extremely excited for this move to LAFC.
“This is the right place for me and my family and the right time in my career and I cannot wait to get started working with the team and getting ready to win more trophies in Los Angeles.”
It had been reported that Bale might retire after the World Cup in Qatar, but LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington said on Sunday that both parties were hoping to form a “long-term partnership”.
The update that Bale, who turns 33 next month, could extend his career into 2024 would appear to be good news for Wales before their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign starts in March.
The 106-times capped Bale quashed international retirement rumours last summer by saying he would represent Wales for as long as he played football.
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Thorrington said: “Gareth is one of the most dynamic and exciting attacking players of his generation.
“Adding a player who brings the talent and experience at the highest levels that Gareth does is an incredible opportunity to continue to improve our club.
“Gareth is highly motivated to continue to win trophies and we are elated that he has made the choice to join LAFC and help lead us in our ultimate goal of winning championships.”
LAFC lead managing owner Larry Berg added: “Bringing a player and a person of Gareth’s calibre to LAFC is a historic moment for Los Angeles, MLS and the game in the United States.”
Cardiff owner Vincent Tan claimed earlier that Bale could make the move to the Welsh capital next summer.
An appreciated his stay at Real Madrid.
He wrote on Twitter: “I write this message to say thank you to all my team mates, past and present, my managers, the backroom staff and to the fans that supported me.