Mueez Ajao
– Wales captain Gareth Bale said “it felt like home straight away” after joining Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer.
– The 32-year-old former Real Madrid and Tottenham forward has signed as a free agent after nine years in Spain, with an option to stay for the 2024 season.
– Bale arrived in California on Friday and hours later saw his new club host city rivals Los Angeles Galaxy in his first taste of the ‘El Trafico’ derby.
Also Read: Los Angeles FC confirm Bale signing
– “What an incredible reception I had when I came in,” Bale told ESPN.
He’s here. And he’s perfect. 🤩@GarethBale11 meets the @LAFC3252. 👋 pic.twitter.com/9UK8m0s7uw
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 9, 2022
– Bale moved to LA after his contract with Real ended at the end of last season. And having helped Wales qualify for a first appearance at a World Cup finals since 1958 Bale is keen to get started at his new club.
Can't wait. 😎 pic.twitter.com/KJUJsRrlmU
— LAFC (@LAFC) July 9, 2022
– “The best prep is to play games,” he said.
"I want to do as best I can to help @LAFC try to win a trophy." – @GarethBale11 pic.twitter.com/LrnBaVK0LB
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 9, 2022
– “I want to come here. I want to play games and make my stamp and do as best I can to try and help LAFC win a trophy.
Welcome to LA, @GarethBale11. pic.twitter.com/xdhOSTtcdw
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 9, 2022
– “And I can help with the youngsters because it’s a very young team here, give them advice, seeing what I do in terms of professional standard and try to help them.
Goodnight, Los Angeles. 🖤💛 pic.twitter.com/tiF3hDCtQc
— LAFC (@LAFC) July 9, 2022
– “The league is a growing league. It was an exciting opportunity I felt was right for me and my family.
A proper welcome for @GarethBale11.
That’s how you celebrate a W! 😅#LAFCvLA // Heineken #RivalryWeek pic.twitter.com/EneK3Jse2a
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 9, 2022
– “It’s very new but it’s something that’s really glamorous. It’s just a very attractive club.”
Welcome home. 🖤💛#LAFC | @LAFC3252 pic.twitter.com/n7jljaMMFI
— LAFC (@LAFC) July 9, 2022
.@GarethBale11 is a quick learner. #LAFC pic.twitter.com/nhDLKogTvU
— LAFC (@LAFC) July 9, 2022
– With Bale watching from the stands, his new team won the derby 3-2.
🔜 @GarethBale11 pic.twitter.com/n8YEQ9wbRa
— LAFC (@LAFC) July 9, 2022
New guys liked what they saw. 😄#LAFCvLA // Heineken #RivalryWeek pic.twitter.com/eGeSyjYtCB
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 9, 2022
– LAFC, the overall MLS leader, visit Nashville and Kansas City over the next two weeks before next playing at home on July 29 against Seattle.
