Why LAFC? Gareth Bale explains step after leaving Real Madrid

Gareth Bale, as a nine-year chapter at Real Madrid concluded in early June, started weighing options for where he’d play next.

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As you probably know by now, the superstar forward chose LAFC a short two weeks ago

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Rejecting a stay in Europe amid heavy interest from Cardiff City in his native Wales. There was no shortage of additional suitors, too.

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But why pick the MLS club? Bale, soon 33, answered that question himself Friday night at Banc of California Stadium

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Speaking at halftime of LAFC’s eventual 3-2 win over the LA Galaxy in El Trafico as part of Heineken Rivalry Week.

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“The club’s really on the rise,” he told ESPN’s Taylor Twellman and Jon Champion shortly after arriving stateside.

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“It’s very new, but it’s something that’s really glamorous and it’s a very attractive club. Just speaking with them, it felt really like the right thing to do.

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LAFC, only in their fifth year after starting MLS play in 2018, already have a Supporters’ Shield (2019) in their trophy cabinet.

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And they’re the current frontrunners to earn that honor again in 2022, before Bale

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The one-time most expensive transfer worldwide upon leaving Tottenham for Real Madrid in 2013, makes his debut in Black & Gold.

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