Gareth Bale signs shock one-year deal at Los Angeles FC after Real Madrid exit

Gareth Bale has ended uncertainty over his future by confirming he has joined MLS side Los Angeles FC, as he aims for regular game time ahead of the World Cup.

Bale, who became a free agent after leaving Real Madrid at the end of last season, is expected to be officially unveiled this week on an initial 12-month deal, despite also having held talks with Championship outfit Cardiff City in his native Wales.

However, he has taken matters into his own hands by sharing a video of himself with a black and gold LAFC cap, alongside the caption: ‘See you soon, Los Angeles.’

Gareth Bale has confirmed his shock move to MLS club Los Angeles FC on a free transfer

The forward departed Real Madrid at the end of the season and held talks with Cardiff City 

The club re-tweeted his post, but are yet to produce confirmation of their own.

The former Tottenham star, 32, should make his debut against David Beckham’s former club LA Galaxy on July 9 after the USA transfer window officially opens.

Crucially for Bale, the MLS season runs until November, a fortnight before Wales’ first World Cup finals campaign since 1958, begins in Qatar.

The Welsh international scored 106 goals in 258 appearances during his time with Madrid

Though his current deal in LA takes him up to June 2023 when next year’s MLS season will be only halfway through, Bale has an option to continue for 18 months beyond that should his family settle and he is enjoying his football.

By going to America, Bale is following in the footsteps of some of British football’s most famous names, from Bobby Moore to Beckham and Wayne Rooney.

He made his name in England with Southampton and Spurs but it’s his nine years in Madrid that secured his reputation, winning five Champions League titles.

A close friend of Bale said: ‘He is going there not just to be able to be fit for World Cup but to enjoy L.A. and MLS, and if he does enjoy he will play on.’

With 23,500 capacity, the Banc of California Stadium hosted the MLS All-Star game in 2021

The ex-Real Madrid forward is set to team up with Italy legend Giorgio Chiellini in Los Angeles

With varied outside business interests and a passion for golf, Bale was never likely to try to play into his late thirties like Cristiano Ronaldo but he does now have the chance to prolong his career in the short-term, though MLS fans will be interested to see his mindset after the World Cup. 

Los Angeles FC are among the favourites to win the MLS this season and recently signed Italian legend Giorgio Chiellini from Juventus.

Wales’ first match in Qatar is against USA on November 22.

Bale will also be in the company of Hollywood actor Will Ferrell who is an owner at the club