Focused: Gareth Bale insists he’s not joining LAFC for retirement tour
(Picture: AFP via Getty Images)Gareth Bale wants to prolong his career potentially beyond the upcoming World Cup to possibly even make the Euros in 2024 after being unveiled by LAFC.
The 32-year-old signed a year-long contract with various options to extend the deal for an extra 12 months, with a further 18 also in the arrangement.
With the former Tottenham and Real Madrid forward planning to compete for Wales at the upcoming World Cup in Qatar, he spoke about why he has opted to prolong his career despite rumours that he was previously bound for retirement.
"I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t ready to give everything," Bale said at the Banc of California Stadium. "I am still 32. I still have many years to come and I haven’t come here just to be here for 6 months or 12 months I want to be here for as long as possible.
"I want to do as well as I can to make my mark on this league and this team and I am looking forward to the future. Also, this gives me the best opportunity to go to the next Euros and maybe further. The plan is to work hard."
Adding: "I don’t think anyone here sees it as a retirement league anymore. The weather is difficult the travel is difficult. The standard is increasing. It is a lot better than people in Europe think. Everything is improving – it’s a league on the rise."
The ceremony took place in a conference room full of 20 cameras, with the club’s directors and owners in attendance, and with a few representatives from the ultras group chanting his name as he entered the room.
He was also present at the club’s stadium as they beat LA Galaxy 3-2 to go top of the MLS’s western conference.
It shows the effort made to celebrate the five-time Champions League winner arriving in MLS where he says he plans to win and get back to enjoying his football.
It follows a turbulent end to his Real Madrid career where he had a frayed relationship with some sections of the club’s powerful media and subsequently fan base.
"It felt like the right project to be at. They’re doing well at the moment, it’s not a bad city either," he continued.
"Prior to COVID, I used to come over here for two to four weeks at a time. I have some friends here which is helpful. It’s an exciting time to be in the MLS.
"I haven’t come here for the short term. I want to make my mark on this league. This club is special. It became very clear this place is where I wanted to be and it is incredible how they have made this amazing environment for the fans.
"Hopefully, I can play my part in taking the club to the next level and winning trophies."
