Gareth Bale makes his debut for LAFC and skins an opponent with his very first touch in the MLS. He was so excited to get started.
Gareth Bale, who joined Los Angeles FC as a late replacement in their victory over Nashville, has made an impressive start for his new team.
Bale, 33, left Real Madrid at the end of his tenure at the Bernabeu and just agreed to a one-year agreement with the MLS team.
The Wales captain came off the bench in the 72nd minute of the team’s match against Nashville on Sunday, much to the pleasure of both sets of fans at GEODIS Park in Tennessee.
Bale made a clever backheel with his very first play in the game, fooling an opponent and launching a LAFC onslaught.
During his brief stint, he displayed additional glimmers of his brilliance as LAFC won 2-1 on goals from Cristian Arango and Jose Cifuentes.
Giorgio Chiellini, an Italian defender who recently joined LAFC from Juventus, also made his debut for the team.
With a game still to play, LAFC’s victory maintained them a point ahead of Austin at the top of the MLS Western Conference.
Following the game, Bale paused to autograph jerseys for supporters and was later spotted cheering and pumping his fist toward LA fans close to the tunnel.
“I had a scratch. As soon as I was on the bench, I wanted to go and play some minutes for the team “Bale after working full-time.
“Getting into shape is crucial for me personally as well. In Europe, the season is obviously coming to a conclusion, so it was fantastic to get some playing time and—more importantly—we earned the three points. We’re all content.”
Bale said, “I want to join the squad and play how I play, but I also want to blend in with the way the team plays.
“It will take some time to get acclimated to everything, but I’m quite turned on when it comes to football, so I can catch up pretty quickly.
“At this point, it’s only vital to get some playing time and work on improving your fitness. I’m really eager to start the season for myself and do whatever I can to support the squad.
In LAFC’s next game against Sporting Kansas City on Sunday, Bale may get his first LAFC start.
