Robert Page says World Cup-bound Wales are already feeling the advantages of Gareth Bale’s transfer to the United States.
Bale joined MLS aspect Los Angeles FC this summer time after his trophy-laden nine-year spell at Real Madrid got here to an finish.
The 33-year Wales captain had beforehand been linked with a shock transfer to Sky Bet Championship membership Cardiff, with national-team boss Page having stated that Bale becoming a member of his hometown crew “ticks all the boxes”.
Cardiff and the Football Association of Wales share the identical coaching and medical amenities, with the Vale of Glamorgan base being only a few miles from Bale’s house, however he finally selected to signal a 12-month LAFC contract, with choices by to 2024.
Bale seems to be embracing the Los Angeles life-style, and earlier this month threw the primary pitch earlier than the Dodgers’ baseball win over the Minnesota Twins at Dodger Stadium.
“He’s gone to a good team with a great set up,” Page advised the PA information company whereas talking on behalf of M&S Food’s Eat Well, Play Well marketing campaign at a grassroots session in Barry.
“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. The season finishes in November with the play-offs potentially, which I think they will do because they are doing really well.”
With Wales beginning their World Cup marketing campaign towards the United States in Qatar on November 21, Bale has but to start out for LAFC.
The Californian membership have fastidiously managed his game-time however Bale has scored twice in 5 substitute appearances, and LAFC are 9 factors clear on the high of the Western Conference standings.
“The defender thinks he’s got him and then Gareth goes into another gear and gets past him,” Page stated of Bale’s targets.
“It’s great for Welsh supporters to see because, barring any injuries now until November, he’ll hit the ground running and be ft 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 through the week and getting him in top condition for the game time on a Saturday.
“If you start him too soon then I think you are asking for trouble, so they’ve been really sympathetic how they get him up to fitness.”
Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey additionally made a high-profile transfer this summer time by swapping Italy for France.
Ramsey’s contract at Juventus, which had 12 months left to run, was terminated by mutual settlement and the 31-year-old has joined Ligue 1 outfit Nice.
Page stated: “It’s a similar style of football (to Italy) and it suits Aaron. He’s already showed his quality there and it’s a great move for him.
“I’ve spoken to Gareth and Aaron, they’ve both settled in and are enjoying their football.
“They’re really enjoying where they’ve gone and are playing with smiles on their faces.”
:: Robert Page is working with M&S Food’s Eat Well, Play Well marketing campaign, providing children the prospect to win a coaching masterclass with the Wales groups. Go to marksandspencer.com/soccer to seek out out extra.
Source: www.unbiased.co.uk