Bale move is win-win, says Page
ROBERT Page says World Cupbound Wales are already feeling the benefits of Gareth Bale’s move to the United States.
Bale joined MLS side Los Angeles FC this summer after his trophy-laden nine-year spell at Real Madrid came to an end.
The 33-year Wales captain had previously been linked with a shock move to Sky Bet Championship club Cardiff, with national-team boss Page saying that Bale joining his hometown team “ticks all the boxes”.
Cardiff and the FAW share the same training and medical facilities, with the Vale of Glamorgan base being just a few miles from Bale’s home, but he eventually chose to sign a 12-month LAFC contract, with options through to 2024.
Bale appears to be embracing the Los Angeles lifestyle, and earlier this month he threw the first pitch before the Dodgers’ baseball win over the Minnesota Twins at Dodger Stadium.
“He’s gone to a good team with a great set-up,” Page said while speaking on behalf of M&S Food’s Eat Well, Play Well campaign at a grassroots session in Barry on Monday.
“Our head of medical has already been over, so the dialogue between us and the club is great.
“That is brilliant. They get a fantastic Gareth Bale every week and we get him full of confidence coming into camp. It’s a win-win for everybody when you’ve got that relationship between the national team and the club. It’s a great move for him.”
With Wales starting their World Cup campaign against the United States in Qatar on November 21, Bale has yet to start for LAFC.
The Californian club have carefully managed his game-time but Bale has scored twice in five substitute appearances, and LAFC are nine points clear at the top of the Western Conference standings.
“The defender thinks he’s got him and then Gareth goes into another gear and gets past him,” Page said of Bale’s goals.
“It’s great for Welsh supporters to see because, barring any injuries now until November, he’ll hit the ground running and be fit for us at the World Cup. “He’s had a frustrating couple of years because there have been spells where he’s trained every day but not been in the team.
“He’s now at a club that are managing him sensibly and getting him in top condition for the game time on a Saturday.”
Robert Page is working with M&S Food’s Eat Well, Play Well campaign, offering kids the chance to win a training masterclass with the Wales teams. Go to marksandspencer.com/football to find out more.