sport news Gareth Bale: A chance of silverware and golf courses - it's no wonder he ... trends now
It sounded like the perfect move. Gareth Bale, born and raised in Cardiff, joining the city's football club in a dream homecoming as he prepares to lead the Welsh national team in their first World Cup in 64 years.
There was a real sense last week that remarkably, it was a deal that was entirely possible.
Bale held discussions with Cardiff boss Steve Morison as the Championship club share a training ground with the FAW, where he was undergoing physio work with the national team's medical staff. The 32-year-old has reached a point in his career where money is not important, so wages would not have been issue.
Wales captain Gareth Bale held discussions with Cardiff as he weighed up his next move
But of course, the Bluebirds were not the only club interested in signing him. Jonathan Barnett, Bale's agent, told The Athletic that 'four or five serious offers' had been made for the forward, who exited Real Madrid as a free agent after nine years in the Spanish capital.
In the end, it would come down to personal choice and Bale decided his next destination would be MLS side LAFC - on a one-year contract with potential for an 18-month extension.
It would be remiss to say that Bale has shut the door on his hometown for good, because there is still a chance that he ends up at Cardiff later down the line.
The offer to move back to the Welsh capital will likely still be on the table for however long he continues playing, with Bluebirds chairman Mehmet Dalman telling WalesOnline that Bale would 'always be welcome' at the club. The chance to play in Los Angeles, however, may not come around again.
The 32-year-old eventually decided to join LAFC on a one-year deal with a possible extension
From a footballing perspective, Bale is joining a side who are top of MLS' Western Conference at the halfway stage of the campaign. Former USA international Steve Cherundolo is forging an impressive reputation in his first season as manager, while ex-Arsenal forward Carlos Vela, 33, continues to bang in the goals in his fifth year at the club.
Midfielder Jose Cifuentes was a Manchester City target a couple of years ago, while 22-year-old Brian Rodriguez is considered one of the hottest prospects in MLS and already has 17 caps for Uruguay.
LAFC had already made headlines with one big summer signing before Bale's arrival, with Euro 2020 winner Giorgio Chiellini joining from Juventus. In short, it is a club that is not short of ambition. It is no retirement home.
'I want to win. This team wants to win,' the club's co-president and general manager John Thorrington told ESPN on Sunday. 'So [MLS Cup] is our absolute ambition, to win everything that we are in contention for, qualify for Champions League, and really become a bigger and bigger part of the global conversation.'
Euro 2020 winner Giorgio Chiellini has been another headline addition for LAFC this summer
