Gareth Bale to make Los Angeles FC debut against derby rivals LA Galaxy and set for ‘long-term partnership’ with club
LOS ANGELES FC hope the signing of Gareth Bale will prove to be a “long-term partnership” with the star set to make his debut next month. The Welsh wizard, 32, has agreed to join the Major League Soccer club following his exit from Real Madrid. The forward is looking for a club to maintain his […]
LOS ANGELES FC hope the signing of Gareth Bale will prove to be a “long-term partnership” with the star set to make his debut next month.
The Welsh wizard, 32, has agreed to join the Major League Soccer club following his exit from Real Madrid.
The forward is looking for a club to maintain his fitness ahead of the World Cup in November.
But LAFC co-president John Thorrington believes that Bale’s stay in the States will go beyond the winter showpiece in Qatar.
Speaking at a press conference last night, he said: “I’d love to get into specifics but, as policy, I don’t.
“What I can tell you is that LAFC and Gareth are hoping that this is a long-term partnership and step for Gareth and his family.
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“It was never about six months just for the World Cup. We were always talking about longer term than that. That was very clear from Gareth and his representative.
“Obviously we expect him to be a top, top player for us and in this league, but we will do so sensibly.
“When Gareth is looking at what he needs to do, his priority will be at LAFC, we are absolutely sure of that, but we’re not naive to the fact that he, like some other players of ours, have a World Cup on the horizon.”
Bale is set to arrive in America over the coming weeks and is expected to make his debut for them in the derby clash with LA Galaxy on July 8.
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Thorrington explained: “We don’t have a firm date. Our window opens in early July and that will be the first time we can register him.
“We still have to go through immigration paperwork and things like that but we are hopeful that in the next week to 10 days we’ll be able to take care of that for him and his family, to welcome them to Los Angeles and in order for him to start to get up to speed with the group and get his fitness up.
“The first game he would be potentially available for would be the game we have here on July 8.”
Bale is LAFC’s second big signing this summer following the arrival of Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini from Juventus.
The ex-Tottenham man will be classed as a regular squad member rather than as a designated player outside the salary cap.
And Thorrington has no doubts that his motives are not money-motivated.
He added: “You don’t win five Champions League trophies, you’re not the most valuable player of recent times, if you don’t have that hunger.
“We did our due diligence and I’m really excited about what this change of scene will mean for Gareth and his ability to focus on playing.
“If Gareth was making this decision with a financial motive, he wouldn’t be in MLS. I think what he saw in LAFC is a unique opportunity to make a real impact.”