After Los Angeles FC confirmed his signing on a 12-month contract with options through 2024, Gareth Bale expressed his “extreme excitement” about moving to the United States.

Bale announced his departure from Real Madrid in a video shared on social media on Saturday. Bale’s Real Madrid contract is set to expire in the coming days.

Before the World Cup in November, the Wales captain’s transfer to his hometown club Cardiff had been heavily rumored.

Bale, however, made the decision to move to California and declared: “I am extremely excited for this move to LAFC.

“This is the right place for me and my family and the right time in my career and I cannot wait to get started working with the team and getting ready to win more trophies in Los Angeles.”

However, LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington stated on Sunday that both parties hoped to create a “long-term partnership” after the World Cup in Qatar. It had been suggested that Bale might retire after the tournament.

It would seem that the news that Bale, who turns 33 next month, may extend his career into 2024 would be good for Wales before their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign begins in March.