Bale, who signed for Los Angeles FC in his bid to stay fit ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, stressed that he is willing to stay in MLS for more than a year.
Bale still has many years to come
Wales winger Gareth Bale has made clear that he is not planning to hang up his boots any time soon after parting ways with Real Madrid to make a move to MLS. Bale, who signed for Los Angeles FC in his bid to stay fit ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, stressed that he is willing to stay in MLS for more than a year. “Being here gives me the best possible chance to make it into the Wales squad and, you never know, maybe one more,” Bale said at his first news conference as an LAFC player on Monday. “I still have many years to come. I haven’t come here just to be here for six or 12 months. I’ve come here to try and be here as long as possible.”
The Wales international believes that the level in MLS has improved over the last few years
“I want to do as well as I can, make my mark on this league and this team, and I’m looking forward to the future. It’s not just a short thing. It gives me the best opportunity to keep going to the next Euros, maybe further.” Bale, who received several offers from various European clubs this summer, believes that the level in MLS has improved over the last few years. “I haven’t come here for the short term,” Bale added. “I think being here gives me the best possible chance to make it to the Euros and, you never know, maybe one more. That’s my goal. I’m here to play a big part, and I’m really looking forward to getting started. I’ve watched the MLS for a long time. The time difference makes it difficult, but I always tried to watch it on TV.”
“The standard here is really increasing, and it’s a lot better than people in Europe think. The league is improving, the stadiums are improving, the teams are improving, so it’s a league that’s really on the rise. I don’t think anyone sees MLS now as a retirement league. It’s physical; it’s demanding. This club is new, but it feels like it’s been here forever. I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”