Bale ‘extremely excited’ by move to USA after LAFC confirm signing on 12-month contract

Gareth Bale says he “cannot wait to get started” with MLS side Los Angeles FC after joining on a 12-month contract with options through to 2024.

Bale, whose contract at Real Madrid expires in the next few days, announced his move to the Major League Soccer side in a video posted on social media on Saturday.

The Wales captain had been strongly linked with a move to hometown club Cardiff ahead of the World Cup in November.

But Bale chose to head to California instead and told the club’s official website: “I am extremely excited for this move to LAFC.

“This is the right place for me and my family and the right time in my career and I cannot wait to get started working with the team and getting ready to win more trophies in Los Angeles.”

It had been reported that Bale might retire after the World Cup in Qatar, but LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington said on Sunday that both parties were hoping to form a “long-term partnership”.

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In a statement officially declaring the deal, the MLS club said: “LAFC announced today that the club has signed forward Gareth Bale to a 12-month contract using Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) with options through 2024.

“Bale will occupy an international roster slot upon the receipt of