Earnshaw tells Bluebirds fans not to give up hope on hometown hero

ROBERT Earnshaw says Gareth Bale has made a “great move” to MLS side Los Angeles FC – but believes he could yet see him move to Cardiff City at a later stage in his career.

Wales skipper Bale confirmed at the weekend where he’ll be playing his football next, with West Coast club LAFC his chosen destination.

The news brought to an end Cardiff City’s pursuit of the 32-year-old, who was weighing up a return to his hometown club.

The former Real Madrid man revealed his decision on his social media channels on Saturday night after news broke during the afternoon saying he was heading Stateside.

“He’s picked the best club he could have gone to in the MLS. They sit top of the league,” former Bluebirds hero told Sky Sports News.

“This is a great move for him. He needs to be playing for the World Cup in a few months, and it’s in season.We’re going to see a new Bale in a different country, in the MLS. I think he’s going to love it.

“It’s an unbelievable opportunity for him, he’s 32 years old, he’s at the time where he wants to go and experience something different. The MLS is flying right now, they’ve also signed Giorgio Chiellini who has left Juventus.

“I think Gareth is going to have a great time in LA.”

On talk linking him to the Bluebirds, Earnshaw says he couldn’t really see a move ever materialising, even if it had fairytale connotations. But he thinks it could still happen in the future.

“It would have been nice for Gareth to play in Cardiff,” he said. “I think the fans and club would have just loved that, that fairytale of Gareth maybe playing even for a year or even retiring in Cardiff. Maybe down the line, it’s still on. I couldn’t have seen him in the Championship.

“I look at Cardiff this last year, they’re fighting relegation, I couldn’t have seen him in that environment.”