(Football news) Wales forward Gareth Bale confirmed his move to Los Angeles FC (LAFC) in the MLS following his departure from the La Liga champions Real Madrid. The 32-year-old signed for the Spanish giants from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013 for a then-record transfer fee of €105 million and is now set to join as a free agent with his contract expiring on 1st July.

Bale enjoyed a trophy-laden time with Real as he won three La Liga titles, five Champions League crowns, three Club World Cups and the Spanish Cup, although later on in his Real career he was marred with injuries. The Welshman will likely be remembered for many moments such as scoring twice, including a stunning overhead kick, in the 2018 Champions League final against Liverpool and also netting a superb goal which turned out be the winning goal against Barcelona in the 2014 Copa del Rey final. The Spanish media often labelled him as a “parasite” after he missed Real’s 4-0 home loss to Barcelona in March but he subsequently appeared for Wales and he was jeered and booed by fans during a La Liga game in April.

Bale is one of the most dynamic attacking players of this generation when healthy. He went on to score 106 goals in 258 appearances for Real but he made only seven appearances for the 14 time European champions this past season after struggling with several injuries. Bale also went on a season-long loan to Tottenham last season where he showed a glimpse of his talent, scoring 16 goals in 34 appearances.

Bale is still showing his class as he has led Wales to their first World Cup finals since 1958 when they beat Ukraine 1-0 in their playoff in Cardiff earlier this month. He will now join Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini who signed for LAFC this month after his departure from Juventus. The transfer window in the US opens on July 7, with the reports claiming that Bale and Chiellini could make their debuts against local rivals LA Galaxy. LAFC have by far the best squad in the league as they look to win their first MLS Cup this year. They are already top of the West Conference Standings, riding on the brilliance of their talisman Carlos Vela. Bale would be hoping he stays fit and gets some much needed game time before the World Cup begins in late November.

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