The former Real Madrid attacker turned down a stay in Europe to move stateside as a free agent, joining former Italy skipper Giorgio Chiellini as a major signing for Steve Cherundolo’s club, weeks after guiding Wales to the 2022 World Cup.
Bale cannot expect an easy ride
Gareth Bale will “have to come to work” if he wants to make a success of his new start in MLS, warns Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela, as his new team-mate prepares for life in California. The former Real Madrid attacker turned down a stay in Europe to move stateside as a free agent, joining former Italy skipper Giorgio Chiellini as a major signing for Steve Cherundolo’s club, weeks after guiding Wales to the 2022 World Cup. But Vela, one of LAFC’s star performers this term, says the veteran attacker cannot expect an easy ride and must be prepared to put the hard work in to earn his place when he starts training. “If he comes in with a good mentality, with a good attitude, he will be critical because he’s a big player,” Vela told a press conference when asked about what impact Bale can bring.
Vela hopes LAFC can bring that high level to the team to win a trophy
“He’s coming from Real Madrid, so I think I don’t have to talk much about him because everybody knows how good he is. I can only say that he will have to come to work because it’s not that easy, like how people think. If he comes in good shape, in a good way, he comes with a good attitude, with a good mentality, he will be so important to us. And I hope we can bring that high level to the team to win a trophy.” After a slew of successful silverware pursuits with Madrid, it is likely the forward will have his eyes on more trophies after linking up with LAFC, who are among the frontrunners to go all the way to the MLS Cup at the end of the campaign.
But if anything, the most important thing for the attacker will be ensuring he is match-fit and ready for Qatar at the end of the season as Wales prepare for a first World Cup campaign since 1958. As one of the game’s most significant modern stars to never feature at the tournament, Bale will be mindful of his health while ramping up his playing time after a season primarily spent on the bench at the Santiago Bernabeu.