The United States’ MLS has become the hub for veteran footballers to join as they near the end of their careers and it looks like Gareth Bale was eager to follow the footsteps of many former icons.
The Welshman had been linked with a return to the Premier League after he was released by Real Madrid and was also rumoured to be a surprise target for Cardiff City, however Bale confirmed last week that he would instead be joining Los Angeles FC.
The MLS club was founded only seven years ago but is home to a number of familiar faces, with Giorgio Chiellini joining the club this summer after 18 years with Juventus.
While the likes of Andrea Pirlo, David Villa and Gonzalo Higuain all making switches to North America in the latter stages of their careers, there have also been a large amount of former Premier League stars to take the trip across the Atlantic Ocean.
Here are 17 ex-Premier League players that ended up in the MLS...
5. Clint Dempsey - Seattle Sounders
Clint Dempsey began his senior career in his native country with New England Revolution. After spending six years in England with Fulham and Tottenham, the American joined Seattle Sounders for $9m. He reached 10+ goals in three of his five seasons with the club and was their top scorer in 2017 before announcing his retirement the following year. | Getty Images
6. Javier Hernandez - LA Galaxy
At 34, Chicharito currently plays for LA Galaxy after making over 150 appearances in the Premier League. The Mexican was LA Galaxy’s top scorer last season with 17 goals. | AFP via Getty Images
7. Didier Drogba - Montreal Impact
Following his second spell with Chelsea, Drogba joined Montreal Impact in 2015. The striker scored 22 goals in 39 appearances before he joined Phoenix Rising in 2017 - scoring 17 goals and helping them win the Western Conference. | Getty Images
8. Jermain Defoe - Toronto FC
Defoe had spent his whole career in the south of England before joining Toronto from Tottenham in 2014. The striker only spent one season in Canada - scoring 11 goals in 19 appearances before he returned to England with Sunderland AFC. | AFP via Getty Images