Gareth Bale has aimed a sly dig at former club Real Madrid by claiming that life seems a little better at his new side Los Angeles FC.
The former Tottenham man joined the MLS side a little over a month ago on a 12-month contract with an option for a further 18 months. He has made three appearances for the club and is already loving life at the MLS side.
Speaking to the press in a recent interview, Bale admitted that he is enjoying his time at the club.
“I think any player will tell you if they have a smile on their face, they enjoy football more, you play better, a bit more enthusiastically, and life seems a little bit better,” he said.
“I want to get back to enjoy my football, and I feel like I am on the road to do that and I’m looking forward to what lies ahead.”
Meanwhile, head coach Steve Cherundolo has revealed that his side are being careful about fast-tracking Bale into the starting XI as all of Bale’s appearances so far have come from the bench.
“He’s probably around a 45-minute range,” the coach said.
“Yeah, you can fast track it or you can be careful about it and, you know looking back over the past couple of years I think we’re better off being sure what we’re doing and we’re communicating every day and making sure that he feels good.
“And now we’re adding to what he already has, and so I think it’s a healthy progression.”
Bale joins LAFC as a serial winner, having won over 15 trophies during his time in Real Madrid, before repeated injuries and several coaching changes left him out of the lineup.
His current side currently sit atop MLS in both the Western Conference standings, and the race for the supporters shield with 48 points.
Although he is desperate to help his new side to clinch the title, for now, the Welshman is just focused on enjoying his time in Los Angeles.
“It’s hard to pinpoint, but a happy environment, the fans are so welcoming. Even in the away stadiums, they are not so bad, I guess,” Bale added.
“It’s just a family friendly environment and it’s what football should be, the place where you bring your kids. It’s not hostile, and it just seems like a great environment in the MLS.”
