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| Welsh soccer player Gareth Bale is welcomed to Major League Soccer's Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) during a press conference at the Banc of California Stadium, in Los Angeles, California, on July 11, 2022. |
Gareth Bale has made his debut for his new Major
League team, Los Angeles Football Club, as the side triumphed over Nashville
Soccer Club 2-1.
Bale was unveiled by Los Angeles FC earlier in the
month, having agreed to a one-year deal, which will help his preparations for
Wales’ World Cup finals appearance in Qatar. The former Real Madrid ace was
brought on for the final 20 minutes and impressed with his first touch for his
new club after only five minutes, pulling off a stunning backheel pass.
Also making his debut for Steve Cherundolo’s side
was Italian legend Giorgio Chiellini. The defender, who has been capped 117
times by Italy, also recently joined the MLS side on a one-year deal.
Bale, who turns 33 at the end of this week, earlier revealed he has longer-term ambitions with LA and sees no reason why he will not remain Stateside well beyond the terms of his current deal. He said: “I haven’t come here just to be here for six or 12 months, I’ve come here to try to be here as long as possible.
“I want to try to leave my mark on this team, and being here gives me the best possible chance to make it to the Euros and maybe one more. I feel like I’m here to play a big part.”
Fans took to Twitter to rejoice in Bale’s little
cameo, with one supporter writing: “Unbelievable first touches by Bale. Wow.”
Another one added: “I can’t believe this… I really think Bale still has more
juice in him.”