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It was reported over the weekend that Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC were signing Real Madrid superstar and to-be free agent Gareth Bale on a one-year deal, and the Welsh wonder, who helped his country clinch a spot in this fall’s World Cup earlier this month, confirmed the news via social media:
LAFC announced the signing on Monday afternoon and said the contract includes options through 2024.
“Gareth is one of the most dynamic and exciting players of his generation,” LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington said of the 32-year-old for the release. “Adding a player who brings his talent and experience at the highest levels is an incredible opportunity to improve our club. I am grateful to Gareth’s management team who helped make this happen. It is clear that 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.”
Bale first became a household name during a six-year stint with Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur before he joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2013. With the Spanish giants, he won the UEFA Champions League on five occasions and three La Liga titles to go along with three Club World Cups, three UEFA Super Cups, and one Copa del Rey. Injuries plagued him throughout his time in Spain, however, and ESPN noted in early June that “Bale is ready to retire from football” had Wales not qualified for the World Cup.
Instead, he’ll now use MLS as a platform to prepare for a final appearance on world football’s biggest stage.
“I am extremely excited for this move to LAFC,” Bale remarked. “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.”
Bale will be eligible to make his LAFC debut once the MLS transfer window opens on July 7. LAFC, meanwhile, sit atop the Western Conference standings on 33 points, four points ahead of second-place Real Salt Lake.
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