areth bale may want to extend his career beyond the next one World Cup to possibly even make the European Championship in 2024 after being unveiled by LAFC†
The 32-year-old signed an annual contract with several options to extend the deal for another 12 monthswith another 18 also in the scheme.
With the former Tottenham and Real Madrid Planning to compete for Wales at the upcoming World Cup in Qatar, he spoke about why he has chosen to extend his career, despite rumors of his early retirement.
“I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t ready to give it my all,” Bale said at the Banc of California Stadium. “I’m still 32. I still have many years to go and I didn’t just come here to be here for 6 months or 12 months, I want to be here as long as possible.
“I want to do my best to leave my mark on this league and this team and I’m looking forward to the future. This also gives me the best chance of progressing to the next European Championship and maybe beyond. The plan is hard work.”
Adding: “I don’t think anyone here sees it more as a retirement competition. The weather is tough, the travel is difficult. The standard is rising. It’s much better than people in Europe think. Everything is going better – it’s a competition in attendance.”
The ceremony took place in a conference room packed with 20 cameras, in the presence of the club’s directors and owners, and with a few representatives of the ultras group chanting his name as he entered the room.
He was also present at the club’s stadium as they defeated LA Galaxy 3-2 to top the MLSthe western conference.
It shows the effort that has gone into celebrating the five-time Champions League winner who has arrived in the MLS, where he says he intends to win and start enjoying his football again.
It follows a turbulent end to his Real Madrid career, where he had a difficult relationship with some sections of the club’s powerful media and then fans.
“It felt like the right project to be with. They’re doing well at the moment, it’s not a bad city either,” he continued.
MLS is “a competition on the rise,” Bale says as he prepares for a new chapter
† Getty Images“Before COVID, I came here for two to four weeks at a time. I have a few friends here, which is helpful. It’s an exciting time to be in the MLS.
“I didn’t come here on short notice. I want to leave my mark on this competition. This club is special. It became very clear that I wanted to be here and it’s incredible how they have created this great environment for the fans.
“Hopefully I can do my part to take the club to the next level and win trophies.”