Bale "can't wait" to get started with LAFC

After his Real Madrid career finally came to an end, Gareth Bale is eager to start afresh at Los Angeles FC.

The Welshman spent nine trophy-laden years with Los Blancos, but his Madrid career dwindled to an unceremonious end as the club looked to move him on in the final years of his contract

Eventually, as a free agent, Bale will have a new beginning and the change of scene seems to be doing him good already.

"I am extremely excited for this move to LAFC," Bale said in a statement on LAFC's website.

"This is the right place for me and my family and the right time in my career, and I can't wait to get started working with the team and getting ready to win more trophies in Los Angeles."

The 32-year-old heads for MLS after 17 years playing in Europe with Southampton, Spurs and Real Madrid.

Still a current Wales international, he was 106 caps for his country, scoring 39 goals.

In nine years with Los Merengues - which were really eight full seasons as he spent 2020/21 on loan at Spurs - Bale won 16 trophies.

The highlight of these are undoubtedly the four Champions League successes, making him one of the most decorated players in the tournament's history.

Praise from new boss

LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo is delighted to add Bale to his squad, after already landing Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini.

The coach believes the Welshman's experience will be invaluable to his ambitious team, which also includes former Arsenal and Real Sociedad forward Carlos Vela.

"There are simply not many players in the world who can have an impact on a match like Gareth Bale," Cherundolo said.

"He can be dangerous in so many different ways, and we expect him to complement what we believe is already a strong team from the moment he arrives.

"His knowledge of the game and experience in playing in big games will be invaluable for our Club."