‘Match made in heaven’ – Gareth Bale’s free transfer to Los Angeles FC is welcomed by former Wales team-mate Collison

GARETH BALE and Los Angeles FC are a match made in heaven.

That is the view of Bale’s former Welsh team-mate Jack Collison, who is the Atlanta United 2 manager in America.

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Bale, 32, confirmed the end of his glittering career in Hollywood on Saturday night.

The ex-Real Madrid star tweeted “See you soon Los Angeles” after agreeing to an initial one-year deal.

And the Welsh captain’s shock move in preparation for the World Cup in the USA was celebrated by Collison.

The ex-West Ham midfielder said: “It’s an amazing move for Gareth. I’m very happy for him.

“It’s a great fit and the fans here will enjoy watching him play.

“He’s had such a fantastic career and I’m sure he feels like he has so much football left in him.

“I’m sure a lot of clubs were interested but Los Angeles could be a match made in heaven.”

The five-time Champions League winner turned down hometown club Cardiff, among others, before sealing his box office move to Western Conference leaders LAFC.

Bale is due to fly to California this week and plans to get in top form for Wales’ first World Cup appearance in 64 years.

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Ironically, the ex-Southampton and Spurs star is aiming to lead his country out in Qatar’s opening game against USA on 21 November.

Bale’s deal will be confirmed when the MLS transfer window reopens on July 7.

And he would be eligible to make his debut – alongside fellow new boy Giorgio Chiellini – against rivals LA Galaxy the following day.

The MLS regular season concludes on October 9 with a playoff final on November 5 – 16 days before Wales take on the USA in Doha.

Collison, 33, who has been coaching in America since 2019, added: “The move will set him up for the World Cup and this is great news for Wales and Rob Page.

“Everyone involved with Wales wants to see a fit and firing Gareth Bale in Qatar and hopefully this move will help.

“Now you just have to look at the competitiveness in MLS and some of the players that the league has attracted.

“The league just keeps getting better.”