Gareth Bale breezed into Wales’ camp this week beaming a huge Californian smile after being reinvigorated by his move to the United States.
The star felt unwanted and unloved at Real Madrid as he was frozen out in Spain where he ran down his huge contract this summer. Despite tremendous criticism, including being branded a "parasite", Bale continued to inspire Wales as their record scorer and captain.
His feats included a spectacular free-kick against Austria to help Rob Page’s men to the World Cup via the play-offs. But now Bale is so clearly enjoying his football and life again at new club Los Angeles FC, both the ace and Page are excited about what he can produce this winter in Qatar.
Bale, 33, made his 11th appearance of the season in LAFC’s 3-1 win on Monday night which keeps his club top of the Western Conference. He then jetted into Heathrow the next day and is preparing for his 107th cap on Thursday in Brussels against Belgium. If Bale is suffering from any jet-lag, you would never have known from his upbeat demeanour, body language and remarks. Bale insisted: “Definitely, I am very happy. It feels nice, the fans have been really supportive over there, they've been really patient as well which is good.
“I'm enjoying playing in America, the atmosphere is incredible, they're all supporting the team. I can't ask for any more than that. They've made me feel at home straight away. So it's good vibes from the MLS and hopefully that gives me more confidence going into Wales as well. There was a reason I wanted to go to LAFC, they are a club that is really on the rise and is going places. It was a project I wanted to be a part of. This is a new challenge with a new club and new team and it gives you that freshness again about football. One I am enjoying and one hopefully i continue to enjoy."
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Only two of Bale’s appearances this term have been starts and the ace is yet to complete 90 minutes for LAFC. But he is still playing a lot more than he did in Spain last term and has scored twice as he continues to build up his fitness. Bale added: “The last few years I had to come into Wales' camp and try and find something and dig deep and find my fitness. It's more ideal for all of us to be playing as much as we can so we can perform better for Wales.
"You can be as fit as you want training and doing your running but playing your games makes you feel sharper and better on the pitch. I think for me personally playing games is good for me and where I need to be. I am feeling good and feeling sharp and need to maintain that level and keep doing what I am doing. I'm getting stronger and fitter. Now we have an important stretch of games in the MLS, but after that I can turn my attention to the World Cup and hopefully be in the best shape as I possibly can. The plan is just to be 100% fit to help LAFC first and foremost and then ultimately that will lead into me being 100% for the World Cup. I'm sure when it comes round everyone will be buzzing to go.”
Bale’s physical and mental condition has been well received by boss Page, who last week penned a four-year contract ahead of Wales’ first World Cup appearance in 64 years. Page said: “Gareth was bright and you wouldn't have thought he'd just got off a flight from the States. I'm not surprised by his professionalism but I was surprised with how fresh he looked.”
