The right place and the right time – Gareth Bale relishing MLS move

Gareth Bale says he is “extremely excited” by his move to the United States after Los Angeles FC confirmed his signing 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 said: “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”.

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 his P1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC).

“LAFC acquired the discovery priority to Bale from Inter Miami CF in exchange for USD75,000 in 2023 General Allocation Money (GAM).”

The update that Bale, who turns 33 next month, could extend his career into 2024 would appear to be good news for Wales before their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign starts in March.

The 106-times capped Bale quashed international retirement rumours last summer by saying he would represent Wales for as long as he