Bale, who will captain Wales at the World Cup in Qatar this
year, has signed a 12-month contract with options through to
2024 and said he already felt at home in Southern California
with no plans on moving anytime soon.
British media had speculated that Bale might retire after the
World Cup but he held out the prospect that he could still be
leading Wales at the European Championship in 2024.
"I haven't come here for the short term. I want to make my mark
on this league and I think being here gives me the best possible
chance to make it to the Euros and maybe win more," Bale told a
news conference at Banc of California Stadium.
"That's my goal. I feel like I'm here to play a big part."
Already sounding like a Hollywood star, Bale told reporters that
he saw LAFC as "an amazing project" following his departure from
LaLiga champions Real Madrid.
"It became clear to me that this was the place I wanted to be,"
he added.
"It's an incredible club they've created and an amazing
environment for the fans. Hopefully now I can play my part and
take this club to the next level and try to win a trophy."
Bale, who turns 33 later this week, said MLS had improved
considerably and could no longer be dismissed as a "retirement
league" for overseas stars.
"The standard here is really increasing, it's a lot better than
people in Europe think," he said.
"The quality is improving, the league is improving, the stadiums
are improving, the teams are improving. It's a league that's
really on the rise."
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LAFC, which launched in 2014 and boasts a star-studded ownership
group and a dedicated fan base, currently sits atop the Western
Conference.
"This club is new, but it feels like it has been here forever,"
he said.
Bale enjoyed a trophy-laden spell with Real, winning three
LaLiga titles, five Champions League crowns, three Club World
Cups and the Spanish Cup, although his time at the club was
marred by injuries.
In Los Angeles, he will join familiar faces including former
Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini, who signed for LAFC this month
after leaving Juventus.
"He's the same as me. He wants to give everything possible to
win games and trophies," Bale said.
The Welshman will also play alongside ex-Arsenal forward Carlos
Vela and former Manchester United striker Javier "Chicharito"
Hernandez.
Bale led Wales to their first World Cup since 1958 when they
beat Ukraine 1-0 in a playoff in Cardiff last month.
The MLS season will conclude before the start of the Nov.
21-Dec. 18 World Cup in Qatar.
Wales begin their World Cup campaign against the United States
at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium on Nov. 21.
(Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles; Editing by Ken
Ferris)
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