Sky Sports pundit Dean Ambrose has now offered his views on Gareth Bale joining MLS side Los Angeles FC. The Wales forward’s decision to leave Europe has taken everybody by surprise as Ambrose elaborated on the same. Furthermore, Gareth Bale rejected offers from Premier League clubs Aston Villa and Newcastle United for LAFC.
Gareth Bale announced his decision to leave Real Madrid, and every interested club circled around the forward. Moreover, clubs in Villa and Newcastle came forward as well for Bale despite no European football. Further on, Bale’s hometown club Cardiff City approached him as well for a move.
However, Bale chose MLS which has raised everybody’s eyebrows. Though just 32, Bale has already decided to move to the United States. Many speculate the Wales captain wants regular game time ahead of the World Cup later this year and hence joined LAFC. Bale has put pen to paper to a 12-month contract, with an option to extend it for another 18 months.
Ambrose gives his verdict on Bale turning down Villa, Newcastle
Gareth Bale was presented the opportunity to continue his journey in Europe by Aston Villa and Newcastle. But Ambrose, a former Magpies player himself has now elaborated on Bale’s move to MLS.
While talking on Sky Sports Ambrose said,
“He said he will catch everyone by surprise. And he has, it’s come out of the blue really to Los Angeles. Gareth’s main focus, as we are all aware, it’s going to be the World Cup with Wales. The season in the MLS ends in October, unless they make the play-offs, which he is hoping to do because it then rolls onto November and a couple of weeks before the World Cup starts. I think it’s a great signing for the MLS and Gareth himself to go out and play in Los Angeles.”
While Ambrose too suggests that Bale wants to be in shape for the World Cup, the Wales captain may be suggesting something else. Talks of Bale opting for retirement picked up pace after he left Real Madrid. But his move to MLS rejecting a European journey with Villa, Newcastle, or Cardiff indicates that Bale is planning for hanging up his boots.
Furthermore, the speculation about his retirement doesn’t end there. There is still a high possibility that Bale retires from international duty after the World Cup. However, his year-long deal with LAFC could still prompt him to wear the armband and lead Wales.
The qualifiers for the EURO 2024 will commence as soon as the World Cup ends, and if Bale continues with LAFC he may want to help Wales through the qualifiers. Nonetheless, for now, the likes of Villa and Newcastle have missed out on a superstar in Gareth Bale. And it’s LAFC’s time to enjoy the decorated winger.
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