Gareth Bale said he’s still not 100 percent fit after his incredible extra-time goal helped Los Angeles FC win MLS Cup.
Bale hadn’t played in a month when he was subbed in during extra time of Saturday’s championship match against the Philadelphia Union.
After the Union seemed to have locked up the title with a 124th-minute goal, Bale scored one of the most dramatic goals in MLS history with a 128th-minute header that tied the match 3-3.
LAFC would go on to win MLS Cup on penalties. After the game, Bale told a press conference that his journey so far in MLS hasn’t been easy as injuries and fitness have severely curtailed his playing time.
“We spoke [before the game] about if I’m needed for the last 20 or 30 minutes then I’m available,” Bale said. “I’m not 100% at the moment. I’m still coming back, I still have a few little issues like most people do.
“I haven’t trained too much over the last three or four weeks because I’ve had this slight issue, but I was able to come on and give as much as I can and I’m glad I came up with the goal to help the team.
“It’s been a difficult transition coming in with no preseason, trying to play catch-up, relocating with my family. But I’ve tried to keep as fit as I can, tried to help the team as much as I can on and off the pitch and it’s all worth it when you have moments like this.”
Bale’s admission will be troubling for Wales, with just two weeks to go until the country’s World Cup opener against the U.S. national team.
The Welsh captain admitted it’s been extra tough to battle an injury so close to his country’s first World Cup since 1958.
“I’m feeling better and better as time goes on,” he added.
“Obviously I’ve had a few setbacks, I had a slight knock a couple of weeks back which kept me out for 10 days, so it’s just one of those.
“It’s been difficult mentally leading into the World Cup. There’s so many players dropping out and now they’re missing the World Cup, so it’s been difficult mentally and I’m sure it has for a lot of players playing leading going into this World Cup.
“For sure it’s been in the back of my mind trying to make sure I’m 100% fit.”
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