Gareth Bale says he's still not "100% fit" despite his injury-time heroics to help LAFC to MLS Cup glory on Saturday night.
The Wales captain came off the bench in the 97th minute to grab the all-important equaliser against Philadelphia Union, heading home in the 128th minute to send the game to penalties. The goal sparked wild scenes on the pitch, on the touchlines and in the stands and was all the more remarkable considering Bale hasn't played a minute of football in more than a month.
The Los Angeles-based side then dispatched their opponents 3-0 in the resulting penalty shootout, which saw them lift the MLS Cup.
READ MORE: Gareth Bale scores stunning 128th minute goal and wins MLS Cup final amid wild scenes
Minutes before Bale's stunning leveller, Union tweeted "JACK ELLIOTT >>>> GARETH BALE" in reference to their defender Elliott who had just scored his second of the match to put them on course for what seemed like victory.
But they had egg on their faces just four minutes later when Bale rose highest to nod LA level from a Diego Palacios cross. The tweet was swiftly deleted - but not before fans shared it online.
Attention will obviously switch quickly to the World Cup, with Wales' first game - ironically against the US - kicking off in just over two weeks' time.
Post-match Bale gave an update on his fitness, which will be of particular interest to the Red Wall and manager Rob Page. "I'm feeling better and better as time goes on," Bale said to the assembled media. "I've had a few setbacks, and had a slight knock a few weeks ago which kept me out for 10 days. It's just one of those things.
"It's been difficult mentally now leading into the World Cup. You see now there's so many players who are dropping out and now are missing the World Cup.
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"It's been difficult mentally and I'm sure it has been for a lot of players. For sure it's been in the back of my mind to make sure I'm 100% fit. Today I felt good enough to come on the pitch and help the team and I'm happy to see them lifting that trophy."
Bale said he had spoken to Los Angeles coach Steve Cherundolo before the final and agreed he would be ready to play for "20-30 minutes" if needed.
"I'm not 100% fit at the moment. I'm still coming back," Bale said.
"I have a few little issues like most players do. But I was able to come on for the last 20-30 minutes and give as much as I can and I came up with a goal to help the team and that's what I'm here to do I guess."
Bale's record in major finals is impressive, scoring twice in Champions League finals for former club Real Madrid and it's a habit he cherishes.
"It's always nice to score in finals and I seem to have the knack of doing that," Bale said, adding that he has found the transition to MLS difficult, starting just two matches since signing on in LA.
"Obviously coming in with no pre-season, trying to catch up has been difficult," Bale said.
"Relocating with my family. I've tried to keep as fit as I can, try to help the team as much as I can on and off the pitch. And it's all worth it when you have moments like today.
"The most important thing was the target to win the MLS Cup final and we've managed to do that."
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