After winning it all and running the end of his contract with Real Madrid, Welsh soccer star Gareth Bale is set to make his MLS debut for LAFC.
LAFC officially announced the signing of Gareth Bale, who signed a 12-month contract with the option to extend through 2024.
Though he had initially earned an annual salary of $34.90 million with the Spanish capital club, Bale will be making no more than $1.3 million in Los Angeles.
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“Gareth is one of the most dynamic and exciting players of his generation,” said LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington. “Adding a player who brings his talent and experience at the highest levels is an incredible opportunity to improve our Club.”
“I am grateful to Gareth’s management team who helped make this happen,” he added. “It is clear that Gareth is highly motivated to continue to win trophies, and we are elated that he has made the choice to join LAFC and help lead us in our ultimate goal of winning championships.”
LAFC Lead Managing Owner Larry Berg expressed his excitement at the club’s newest addition.
“Bringing a player and a person of Gareth’s caliber to LAFC is a historic moment for Los Angeles, MLS, and the game in the United States,” said Berg. “On behalf of the entire LAFC community, I am honored to welcome Gareth, his wife Emma, and their children to LA, and I am confident they will fall in love with our incredible city.”
After completing his contract with Real Madrid, Bale was touted to return home and join Cardiff City in Wales. However, with the club playing at second-tier level for years (a prospect that would be a downgrade from what he’s experienced so far), another door opened up.
Instead, the European winner opted for a move to Los Angeles.
“I am extremely excited for this move to LAFC,” said Bale. “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.”
The club is continuing to strengthen its roster with another high-profile signing, this time in the form of Welsh soccer player Gareth Bale. The winger joins Giorgio Chiellini as the second big name to join the club.
The pair faced off in the Champions League of the 2016-2017 season, which saw Bale triumph over his future teammate.
Bale and Chiellini will join the team when the Secondary Transfer Window opens. They will likely debut in the match against city rivals LA Galaxy.
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