Why Gareth Bale Turned Down Move to Cardiff City in Favour of Los Angeles FC Explained

Why Gareth Bale Turned Down Move to Cardiff City in Favour of Los Angeles FC Explained

Martin Moses
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:05 PM
In this article:
FIFA World Cup logo
FIFA World Cup
International
Gareth Bale logo
G.Bale
-FWales logo
  • Gareth Bale's decision to turn down his home club of Cardiff City to move to the United States might have been informed by Los Angeles' lifestyle
  • Bale would be able to cultivate further his love for golf with the numerous golf courses in Los Angeles
  • The MLS club will also give the Welshman a perfect environment to maintain his fitness levels ahead of the FIFA World Cup

Los Angeles FC recently confirmed the acquisition of Gareth Bale on a free transfer. Bale's contract at Real Madrid had wound up with neither party interested in renewing the deal.

Bale had initially considered retirement but made a U-turn when Wales qualified for the World Cup. The perceived idea was for the 32-year-old to find a short-term club to keep fit as the Qatar event drew closer.

Gareth Bale, Cardiff City, Los Angeles FC, Wales, World Cip
Gareth Bale is a known lover of golf. Photo by Ross Kinnaird.
Source: Getty Images

A move back to his home country to join Cardiff City was mooted. On paper, it looked like a perfect move for the most-decorated British player of all time. It could have been a homecoming of sorts after numerous successful years abroad.

Exciting feature: Check out news exactly for YOU ➡️ find "Recommended for you" block and enjoy!

But as Daily Mail reports, other factors might have contributed to Bale choosing to head to North America. He is a well-known lover of golf and in Los Angeles, he will have access to two of the best golf courses: The Riviera and the Los Angeles Country Club.

Major League Soccer calendar is in line with Bale's requirements

More importantly, LAFC will give Bale the opportunity to be in peak condition given the calendar of the Major League Soccer is perfectly aligned with World Cup preparations.

The normal season will end on October 9th and possibly spill to November 5th should they reach the playoff finals. Bale will open his World Cup campaign against the USA on November 21st.

Why David Beckham is set to reap from Gareth Bale's transfer to Los Angeles

Sports Brief had earlier reported that Gareth Bale's move to the Major League Soccer (MLS) to join Los Angeles FC (LAFC) had already been confirmed.

The Welshman will pen a 12-month contract and becomes the latest high-profile star to move north. Bale was set to retire from football after a hugely successful career with Real Madrid.

His move to LAFC is interesting as Inter Miami are set to be paid $75,000. Inter Miami is a franchised co-owned by retired football great David Beckham.

Authors
Martin Moses photo
Martin Moses
Martin Moses is a sports journalist with over five years of experience in media. He graduated from Multimedia University of Kenya (Bachelor of Journalism, 2017-2021)