Gareth Bale makes his LAFC debut and wastes little time showing fans what he can do with cheeky heels as his new side defeat Nashville to remain at the top of the MLS Western Conference
- Bale, 33, came off the bench in the 72nd minute of LAFC’s 2-1 win over Nashville
- He immediately showed his class with a swing to take down a teammate
- The Welsh star said he was itching to get off the bench and get into the action
- Bale has signed a one-year deal with the MLS club after leaving Real Madrid
Gareth Bale made his debut for Major League Soccer side The angel FC – and his first engagement in their colors was certainly an eye-catcher.
The Welsh star who’s gone real Madrid Earlier in the summer to move to the States, he produced a backheel flick with one of his first touches after being substituted on.
Launched in the 18th minute of LAFC’s 2-1 win over Nashville at Geodis Park, 33-year-old Bale sent one of his teammates into space with a graceful swerve.
Gareth Bale came off the bench to make his Los Angeles FC debut in Nashville
The win kept LAFC atop the MLS Western Conference, a point ahead of Austin with a game in hand as they struggled to make the playoffs.
Veteran Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini also made his first appearance for the club.
“It felt incredible. It got me hooked from the first half. As soon as I was on the bench, I wanted to get out, help the team and play a few minutes,” Bale said.
“Personally for me it’s important to get my fitness going because it’s obviously the end of the season in Europe. So it’s good to get a few minutes. We got the three points so we’re happy.
“I’m looking forward to getting the season started for me and helping the team as much as I can.”
Bale was unveiled as a Los Angeles FC player last week after signing a one-year deal
The 32-year-old believes his move to LAFC will give him the best chance of doing so in MLS
At his unveiling last week, Bale dismissed claims he had crossed the Atlantic to join a “retirement league” that had been linked to hometown club Cardiff City in the Championship.
Bale has signed a one-year deal with LAFC – with an option to extend it to 18 months – while trying to maintain his form ahead of November’s World Cup with Wales.
“This is a league that has come a long way in the last 10 years,” he said.
“I don’t think anyone sees it as more than one league for retirement. The weather is difficult, the journey is difficult.
Many predicted that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar would be Bale’s last appearance in professional football
Fans rushed onto the stage at the end of the press conference to pose for photos with Bale
“The standard here is increasing. It’s much better than people think in Europe. Everything is improving – it’s a league on the rise.’
“I didn’t come here for six to twelve months, I came here for as long as possible.
“I want to put a stamp on the league. It’s not a short-term thing. It gives me the opportunity to continue until the next euro – maybe even further.
“Being here gives me the best chance of making it to Euro and you never know, maybe another.”
LAFC is next in action next Sunday at Sporting Kansas City.
