Gareth Bale's move to LAFC makes sense with MLS side 'taking over'

The Wales international ended his nine-year association with Real Madrid at the end of last season after leaving the club at the end of his contract, sparking speculation about his future.

Clubs such as Newcastle United and Cardiff City were said to be interested in a move for the 32-year-old, however Bale has ended speculation by confirming his move to the MLS side.

All eyes for Bale are on the World Cup in Qatar later this year, and according to Welsh football favourite Earnshaw, the move is one that certainly makes sense.

He told talkSPORT: "It was a very surprising move, even I was surprised.

"At the same time, knowing him and knowing his character and the way he is, I know that he's his own guy who makes his own decisions and this is the thing with Gareth.

"He's made this decision very quickly. I was expecting a few more weeks of this and so I think that's why I was also a little bit surprised, but in my opinion I think it's a good move.

"As a football player, you haven't got forever, Gareth Bale especially hasn't got forever to play so in that time you want to go and play in the leagues and places that you would like to experience and like to see.

"The number one thing with Gareth is that he loves to play football. He loves to play for Wales and he loves to play football in general.

"What he's thought is that he's going to be playing because he'll be the best player on the pitch in pretty much every single game and he's also thinking what he wants to experience to enjoy playing football.

"He'll enjoy playing football there and what does that bring him, as his number one mindset will be preparing for the World Cup."

Earnshaw added: "For those who don't know too much about LAFC, it used to be about LA Galaxy and the David Beckham era and Ibrahimovic was there a few years ago and it was all about the glitz and glamour of LA Galaxy and then in the last were years LAFC were created as a club.

"Now, LAFC have taken over. They're way ahead of LA Galaxy, they sit at the top of the league right now and I was there a few weeks ago and they've got a really nice stadium, the pitch is great, the club do it right and they've got a really great atmosphere in the stadium.

"There's a big, big following there and they've also started to make big signings."