The Welshman Gareth Bale was presented this Monday as the new star of Los Angeles FC and assured that he aspires to a long stay in the team and help football grow in the United States.
“I am still 32 years old, at the end of the week (Saturday) I will be 33, so I still have many years ahead of me”, stressed the winger, denying the versions that he chose this destination to prepare his participation with Wales in the Qatar World Cup of the end of the year.
“I have not come here just to stay six, 12 months. I have come to try to be there as long as possible”, stressed a smiling Bale during the press conference at the Banc of California stadium in Los Angeles.
After ending his contract with Real Madrid, the Welshman opens a new stage in the North American league (MLS) in which he aspires to win titles and contribute to the expansion of football in the United States, but also to continue playing international tournaments with his team .
“I have not come here for the short term,” he insisted. “Honestly, I want to make my mark and I think being here gives me the best possible chance to get to Euro (Germany 2024) and, you never know, maybe one more,” she predicted.
Bale was losing prominence in recent years at Real Madrid until he barely had minutes last season. As Wales leader, however, he guided this modest side to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 and the round of 16 in 2020.
LAFC, which leads the MLS regular season, introduced Bale to its fans on Friday ahead of a 3-2 win over neighboring LA Galaxy.
The Los Angeles team, which is chasing its first league title, has given a great effect in recent weeks by adding Bale and Italian Giorgio Chiellini to the squad led by Mexican striker Carlos Vela.
Speaking with those responsible for the franchise, “it immediately seemed to me that it was the right destination, an exciting project, a club that is growing. Obviously, they are doing well at the moment and the city is not bad either”, said Bale about the reasons for signing for the Los Angeles team.
“I want to try to help soccer grow in the United States and be a part of it. I want to help young people grow, ”she stressed.
