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...
9. Bacary Sagna - Montreal Impact
Sagna made over 250 appearances in the Premier League with Arsenal and Man City, before spending six months in Italy then joining the MLS. Sagna won the Canadian Championship with Montreal Impact and made 35 appearances in the MLS before departing in 2019. | Getty Images
10. Wayne Rooney - DC United
After his brief return to Everton from Manchester United, Rooney made a surprise switch to DC United and quickly became their captain. In his first season, Rooney was named the club’s MVP and their golden boot winner and went onto score 23 goals and picked up 13 assists across two seasons in the MLS. | Getty Images
11. Zlatan Ibrahimovic - LA Galaxy
Following his two-year stint with Manchester United, Ibrahimovic joined LA Galaxy in his first spell outside of Europe. The striker was excellent in the MLS - scoring 53 goals in 58 appearances and winning their Player of the Year, Golden Boot and Goal of the Year across both seasons. | Getty Images
12. Victor Wanyama - CF Montreal
Victor Wanyama joined CF Montreal from Tottenham in 2020 and has since made 64 appearances in the MLS. He helped the club to victory in the Canadian Championship last season. | Getty Images