Gareth Bale targets Euros 2024 and beyond with long-term Los Angeles FC plan

Forward Gareth Bale (R) holds the Los Angeles Football Club jersey as he poses with LAFC Co-President and General Manager John Thorrington (R) and Larry Berg, LAFC lead managing owner, during a news conference after he was introduced at Banc of California Stadium on July 11, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.

Gareth Bale believes
his move into Major League Soccer will help extend his international career to
the 2024 European Championships and beyond.

Bale
was unveiled by Los Angeles FC
on Monday having agreed a one-year deal which will help his preparations for
Wales’ World Cup finals appearance in Qatar.

But
Bale, who turns 33 at the end of this week, revealed he has longer-term
ambitions with LA and sees no reason why he will not remain Stateside well
beyond the terms of his current deal.

Bale
said: “I haven’t come here just to be here for six or 12 months, I’ve come here
to try to be here as long as possible.

“It was nice to get started because it’s been a
while and I was eager to get going,” added Bale. “I need to get some training
under my belt but the players were really welcoming.

“Hopefully I can help to improve the team and we’ll
see – our goal is to try to win a trophy and a Championship.”

Bale’s unveiling came on the same day Wayne Rooney
reportedly agreed a deal to become the new coach of DC United, and the Welshman
said he welcomed the influx of big names into the competition.

“It’s great for the MLS and for the sport
in the US,” Bale said. “I think to get big names and more people watching is
only going to do great things for the MLS, and it’s great to be part of it.”