Bale completes move to MLS side Los Angeles FC

WALES forward Gareth Bale has joined Los Angeles FC (LAFC) on a 12-month contract, with options through to 2024, after his departure from LaLiga champions Real Madrid, the Major League Soccer (MLS) side announced on Monday.

The 32-year-old, who signed for Spanish giants Real from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur in 2013 for a then-record transfer fee of 100 million euros (R1.68billion), will join as a free agent.

“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.”

Bale enjoyed a trophy-laden spell with Real, winning three LaLiga titles, five Champions League crowns, three Club World Cups and the Spanish Cup, although his time in Madrid was marred by injuries. The Welshman will likely be best remembered for scoring twice, including a stunning overhead kick, in the 2018 Champions League final against Liverpool, and his superb winner against Barca in the 2014 Copa del Rey final.