Los Angeles FC chief John Thorrington admits the American club would never have signed Gareth Bale if it came to a battle over money.
The Major League Soccer outfit signed Welshman Bale on a one-year deal last month, while there is an option for his contract to be extended until the summer of 2024. It comes after Cardiff City were closely linked with the Wales captain until he made a late call to cross the Atlantic.
And LA's co-president and general manager says Bale was not even a transfer target prior to Wales' World Cup play-off final victory over Ukraine at Cardiff City Stadium on June 5.
READ MORE: Los Angeles FC chief reveals details of Gareth Bale transfer as 'long-term' hope discussed
"Gareth was a much quicker and opportunistic dynamic, rather than a planned for signing, and that was on account of Wales qualifying [for the World Cup] and conversations took place after that," said Thorrington.
"I don't like discussing contractual details, but what I can talk about is that we were never going to win a conversation that was based on money, and thankfully these guys [Bale and Giorgio Chiellini] are not driven by that. They really see the chance to make a big difference."
Bale is in contention to make his debut for LA this month while the 2022 MLS calendar aligns perfectly with his desire to be in peak condition for the World Cup in Qatar later this year. Wales return to action against Belgium and Poland in the Nations League in September.
Rob Page's men kick-start their World Cup campaign against the United States of America on November 21 before facing Iran four days later. They sign off the group stage of the competition against England on November 29.
Speaking about his move to America, Bale said: “I am extremely excited for this move to LAFC. This is the right place for me and my family and the right time in my career, and I cannot wait to get started working with the team and getting ready to win more trophies in Los Angeles.”
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