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...
13. Xherdan Shaqiri - Chicago Fire
After joining Lyon from Liverpool last summer, Shaqiri surprised fans when he joined Chicago Fire FC only six months later. The Swiss international has since claimed three goals and two assists in 12 MLS appearances, as they sit bottom of the Eastern Conference. | Getty Images
14. Thierry Henry - New York Red Bulls
After an extremely successful eleven years with Arsenal and Barcelona, Henry joined New York Red Bulls at 33 years old. The former striker impressed with 25 goal contributions in 35 matches, before retiring from football four years after moving to America. The Frenchman also spent over a year as Montreal Impact’s head coach and led them to their first playoff berth in four seasons. | AFP via Getty Images