Gareth Bale had been on the verge of exiting Real Madrid for a number of years. After a disappointing loan spell with Spurs back in the 2020/21 season, Bale had to return to the Bernabeu last season where he found game time hard to come by.
Finally, this summer, Bale made a permanent move to MLS outfit Los Angeles FC, but it was the help of a certain Hollywood actor that helped convince the Welsh man to join the club.
Gareth Bale is Black & Gold.
🤝 #LAFC Transfers presented by @remitly.— LAFC (@LAFC) June 27, 2022
According to Goal.com, Will Ferrell played a huge role in getting Gareth Bale to the club. Ferrell, who owns a stake in the club, sent the now LAFC star a personal message, convincing him to chose his club over a number of others.
There's a number of other big names involved behind the scenes with LAFC, including NBA legend Magic Johnson and USA women's star Mia Hamm.
Bale had been heavily linked with a return to his hometown club Cardiff City before penning a 12-month contract with LAFC.
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LAFC president on Gareth Bale
Speaking about how the club secured Gareth Bale's signature, LAFC president John Thorrington said:
I can't remember exactly what stage in the conversation it was but he did receive a personal message from Will Ferrell,
We have an amazing group of owners, who are very committed to delivering on these lofty ambitions."
Thorrington also expressed his shock that Gareth Bale agreed to join the club and that he "never believed it would happen" until he signed the contract.
I will tell you the absolute, honest truth, until I saw a signature I never believed it would happen.
But everything trended positively throughout and it was a fairly linear process. It was sort of step by step. He had some questions and we would bring in that expert to talk about it - whether that would be our strength and conditioning staff, whether it was bringing an owner into the conversation.
"We just had probably five, six conversations, and I think each got us a step closer to the deal. We were a totally different opportunity and I was not surprised to hear there was competition in Europe.
"But I think what helped is Gareth's knowledge of LA, getting to know what the club offered, which was unique relative to the other options, and we were grateful that the stars aligned, and we're able to do."
Bale has got off to a great start in the MLS, netting twice in just four games. Bale also scored this wonder goal against Real Salt Lake a couple of weeks back.
Just our Gareth rolling back the years again this morning, what a goal!!!!!
Viva Gareth Bale 🏴pic.twitter.com/bhLOHk3cIZ— Red Wall News (Q) 🏴 (@RedWallNews1) August 7, 2022
It's great to see Gareth finally enjoying his football again and be given the respect he deserves at a club.
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