BALE’S GOOD VIBRATIONS
Gareth is feeling fit and fresh after stint in States
GARETH BALE breezed into the Wales camp this week 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 huge contract this summer.
Despite tremendous criticism, including being branded a “parasite”, he still inspired Wales as their record scorer and captain.
His feats included a spectacular free-kick against Austria to help Rob Page’s men to the World Cup via the play-offs.
But now Bale is so clearly enjoying his football and life again at new club Los Angeles FC, both him 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 on Monday night which kept his club top of the Western Conference. He then jetted into Heathrow the next day and is preparing for his 107th cap tonight in Brussels against Belgium.
If he is suffering from any jet lag, you would never have known yesterday from his upbeat demeanour, body language and remarks.
“Definitely, I am very happy,” said Bale. “It feels nice, the fans have been really supportive over there.
“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 and 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 is going places.
“This is a new challenge with a new club and new team and it gives you that freshness again about football.
“One I am enjoying and one hopefully I continue to enjoy.”
Only two of Bale’s appearances this term have been starts and he is yet to complete 90 minutes for LAFC.
But he is still playing a lot more than he did in Spain last term and has scored twice as he continues to build up his fitness.
Bale said: “The last few years I had to come into Wales’ camp and try and find something and dig deep and find my fitness.
“Playing games is good for me and where I need to be. I am feeling good and need to maintain that level and keep doing what I am doing.”
Bale’s physical and mental 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.”