Gareth Bale declared he will be in “great shape” for the upcoming World Cup, a credit to his time with LAFC.
The former Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid star endured a tough last few seasons in Spain. In fact, he only managed five total LaLiga appearances in his final campaign with Real. Bale joined Los Angeles FC earlier this summer in an attempt to play more regularly and gain fitness.
So far, the move is going as planned. The now 33-year-old winger claimed that the vibes are right in the city of angels. “It feels nice, the fans have been really supportive over there,” Bale said on Wednesday. “They’ve been really patient as well, which is good. I’m enjoying playing there, the atmosphere is incredible, they’re all supporting the team.”
“I can’t ask for any more than that. They’ve made me feel at home straight away. So it’s good vibes from the MLS, and hopefully that gives me more confidence going into Wales as well.”
LAFC gives Gareth Bale match fitness
Bale also referenced his fitness in relation to the World Cup. “I’m getting stronger and fitter. Now we have an important stretch of games in the MLS, but after that I can turn my attention to the World Cup and hopefully be in the best shape as I possibly can.”
Despite the fact that he has only started two matches for L.A. since his arrival in July, his management of minutes appears to be very intentional. “We have a plan in L.A. with what we’re doing,” added Bale. “We’re not doing too much straight away.”
“Every footballer wants to play as much as they can but we’re being clever and building myself up for the last important part of the season. Hopefully that should put me in great shape for the World Cup. I think I’ll be a lot fitter. I haven’t played 90 mins yet, which is what I’m building up to.”
Bale is currently with the Wales national team as it gets ready for a Nations League matchup with Belgium on Thursday.
PHOTO: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire
