Gareth Bale joins Los Angeles FC with former Real Madrid and Tottenham man breaking Cardiff hearts by heading to Hollywood with Giorgio Chiellini

Gareth Bale has agreed to move to Major League Soccer with Los Angeles FC.

The news comes as a blow to hometown club Cardiff City who were heavily linked with the forward, alongside former side Tottenham Hotspur.

3

The five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid left the Spanish capital earlier in this year as a free agent, and went on to guide Wales to their first World Cup in 64 years.

Considered by many as the greatest British player of all time, Bale has signed a 12 month deal with LAFC and there will be an option to extend that for another 18 months.

Bale has confirmed the move with a social media post and will be eligible to debut against rivals LA Galaxy on July 8.

Also set to make his debut in what is labelled 'El Trafico' is Juventus legend Giorgio Chiellini, who moved to MLS earlier in the window.

LAFC were only founded in 2014, but currently sit top of the Western Conference in MLS.

They also lead the Supporters' Shield with 30 points from 15 games.

3

3

Most read in Football

Cole Palmer apologises over X-rated interview after ending Liverpool's seven-year record

Leeds chairman confirms future of boss Daniel Farke - 24 hours after Championship glory

Harry Kane instantly reacts after winning first trophy of career - without even playing

Tom Brady in Birmingham heartbreak as billionaire pips him to dramatic WSL promotion

Many called for 32-year-old Bale to return to Britain, either in the Premier League or the Championship.

However it appears he sees MLS as an ideal landing spot ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Wales are in the same group as the United States at the tournament, along with England and Iran.

At LAFC, Bale will play alongside former Arsenal star Carlos Vela who won the league's MVP award and Golden Boot with the club in 2019.

More to follow...