‘Out of the blue’: Sky pundit surprised by Aston Villa & Newcastle target’s transfer call

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Darren Ambrose has claimed that Gareth Bale’s call to join Los Angeles in the MLS has ‘come out of the blue’, as he told Sky Sports News.

With Bale’s Real Madrid contract coming to an end this month, there were a number of clubs, including Aston Villa and Newcastle United, seemingly targeting the 32-year-old. 

Whilst Bale hasn’t been in any sort of form over the years, it’s the reputation he has built up that has seen European-chasing Villa and Newcastle knock on his door.

Added with Premier League interest, Cardiff City, the Welsh captain’s hometown club, were also keen to bring him home, only for him to break their hearts and head to America. 

Former Newcastle midfielder Ambrose expressed that he was surprised by Bale’s transfer call, as he begins a new chapter in his trophy-laden career. 

“He said he will catch everyone by surprise,” said Ambrose. “And he has, it’s come out of the blue really to Los Angeles.

“Gareth’s main focus, as we are all aware, it’s going to be the World Cup with Wales. The season in the MLS ends in October, unless they make the play-offs, which he is hoping to do because it then rolls onto November and a couple of weeks before the World Cup starts.

“I think it’s a great signing for the MLS and Gareth himself to go out and play in Los Angeles.”

BALE EDGING CLOSER TO RETIREMENT 

The five-time European Cup winner hasn’t moved to the MLS to fulfil a life-long dream, but to all but confirm that he is on the final road of his career.

Would he have hung up his boots if Wales didn’t qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar? Possibly so.

Either way, if he does commit to the 12-month deal he has signed with the Los Angeles, then it will take him closer to the next Euros. 

Euro 2024 will be held in Germany, and Bale will play a part in Wales trying to qualify, it’s just a case of, does he remain on for the final leg and helps them get there.

If he does, then he will probably hang up his boots then, if not, then he will probably be long retired before that.