CALIFORNIA BEAMING
Bale has returned from La La Land happy, refreshed and admitting: I’ve been getting good vibrations in US... so I’m feeling confident coming back to Wales squad
GARETH BALE breezed into the Wales camp beaming a huge Californian smile after being reinvigorated by his move to the USA.
Feeling unwanted and unloved at Real Madrid, Bale was frozen out in Spain where he ran down his massive contract in the summer.
Despite tremendous criticism– including being branded a “parasite” – he still inspired Wales as their record scorer and captain.
A spectacular free-kick against Austria to help Rob Page’s men to the World Cup via the play-offs were among his package of highlights.
But now Bale is so clearly enjoying his football and life again at new club Los Angeles FC, both he and manager Page are excited about what he can produce this winter in Qatar.
Bale, 33, made his 11th appearance of the season in LAFC’S 3-1 win over Houston on Monday night which keeps his club top of the Western
Conference. He then jetted into Heathrow the following day and is preparing for his 107th cap tonight in Brussels against Belgium.
If Bale is suffering from any jet lag, you would never have known it yesterday from his upbeat demeanour, body language and remarks.
“Definitely, I am very happy,” said Bale, who got a positive welcome from rival supporters in Dallas this month (below).
“It feels nice, the fans have been really supportive over there. They’ve been really patient as well, which is good.
“I’m enjoying playing in America, 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, Hopefully that gives me more confidence going into Wales as well.
“There was a reason I wanted to go to LAFC, they are a club that is really on the rise and going places.
“It was a project I wanted to be a part of. This is a new challenge with a new club and new team, and it gives you that freshness again about football. It’s one I am enjoying and one hopefully I continue to enjoy.”
Only two of Bale’s appearances have been starts and he has yet to complete 90 minutes for LAFC.
But he is still playing a lot more than he did in Spain last season and has scored twice as he builds up his fitness.
Bale said: “The last few years I had to come into Wales’ camp to try and find something and dig deep and find my fitness.
“It’s more ideal for all of us to play as much as we can so we can perform better for Wales.
“You can be as fit as you want training and doing your running, but playing your games makes you feel sharper and better on the pitch.
“I am feeling good and feeling sharp, and need to maintain that level and keep doing what I am doing. 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 I possibly can.
“The plan is just to be 100 percent fit to help LAFC first and foremost and then ultimately that will lead into me being 100 percent for the World Cup.
“I’m sure when it comes round everyone will be buzzing to go.” Bale’s condition has been well received by Page, who last week signed a four-year contract ahead of Wales’ first World Cup appearance in 64 years.
He said: “Gareth was bright and you wouldn’t have thought he’d just got off a flight from the States. I’m not surprised by his professionalism... but I was surprised with how fresh he looked.”