Gareth Bale has confirmed that he is leaving Real Madrid and is bound for Los Angeles, CA. The 32-year-old Welsh striker is moving to Major League Soccer after a successful nine-year spell with Los Blancos. The deal is official and will run until June of 2023. Bale joins on a free transfer and he is LAFC’s second big signing this summer, as veteran Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini signed with the club earlier this month.
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Bale started his career at Southampton before moving to Tottenham where he played from 2007 to 2013. On September 1, 2013, Real Madrid acquired Bale for a then world record fee of £85.1. With Los Blancos, he would win five UEFA Champions League titles along with three UEFA Super Cups and FIFA Club World Cups, respectively. In addition, he won the Copa del Rey in 2014 along with the Supercopa de España in 2017 and a total of three La Liga titles. In a total of 258 appearances with Los Blancos, Bale scored 106 goals.
Recently, Bale helped Wales qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1958. He is currently Wales’ all-time leading scorer with 39 goals and counting.
What Does Bale Bring to the Table?
Much like Chiellini, Bale’s veteran expertise and experience each speak for themselves. In Bale’s case, motivation is the most important thing he brings to the table. He will turn 33 next month, and at this point of his career he is determined to prove he still has plenty left to offer.
Bale will captain Wales at the World Cup later this year. If he is to help lead the club to a formidable run in Qatar, he’ll need to be at the top of his game. Although he is playing in an environment far less competitive than Europe, he’s definitely in a playing environment he can adapt to well. For Bale, the higher his level of motivation the better. Not only can he make a positive impact on the pitch, but he can do the same in training and mentoring younger talent.
Along with Chiellini, Bale can debut for LAFC on July 8 in the Los Angeles Derby against the Galaxy.
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