Cardiff City issue classy message to Gareth Bale after learning he's chosen Los Angeles FC

Cardiff City have wished Gareth Bale the very best as they delivered a classy message despite the Wales captain choosing a move to America over his home-town club.

Bale was torn between joining the Bluebirds and signing for Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer and has opted to go Stateside.

The Bluebirds felt they were close to landing the biggest transfer in Welsh football history after presenting Bale with a complicated package he and his representatives were understood to be happy with.

Gareth Bale at Cardiff City training base as he speaks with manager Steve Morison for first time

But in reality a Championship club should never have been in the race to sign a world class player of Bale's stature. In the end, the lure of a year on the west coast of America, with the vast riches on offer, proved too much for Cardiff to match.

Bale, at 32, can still command an enormous salary because of his goal-getting ability. In an ironic twist, Cardiff's Malaysian owner Vincent Tan was part owner of Los Angeles FC until recently before selling his stake in the American club to focus upon the Bluebirds.

Cardiff chairman Mehmet Dalman said upon learning of Bale's decision on Saturday: "We wish Gareth the very best, want to see him get fit and do well for Wales at the World Cup.

"We hope he plays really well and that Wales also do well as a result.

"Gareth will always be welcome back home whenever he wants. He'd always be welcome at Cardiff whenever he feels it's his time."

That last comment could be viewed as the Bluebirds leaving the door ajar for Bale should he wish to sign for his home-town team when the 12-month deal with the American club is over.

However, Cardiff's planning is very much for the present with manager Steve