Gareth Bale is no longer a Real Madrid player.After nine trophy-laden years, the Welshman and Los Blancos finally parted ways this summer.Bale's lucrative Real Madrid contract officially expired on June 30th and he's opted to join Major League Soccer outfit Los Angeles FC on a free transfer.The five-time Champions League winner will play alongside Juventus legend Giorgio Chiellini and former Arsenal forward Carlos Vela out in California, which is quite an exciting prospect.Bale was introduced to the LAFC fans ahead of the team's derby match against LA Galaxy in the early hours of Saturday morning UK time.LAFC won the match, which is nicknamed 'El Traffico, 3-2 thanks to a brace from Jose Cifuentes and a goal from Cristian Arango - with Vela contributing two assists.Bale received an incredibly warm welcome from the fans prior to kick-off, which was to be expected given that a bona fide superstar has joined their club at the age of just 32.

Video: Bale's reception from LAFC fans before 'El Traffico'

Now that's what you call a reception.

Bale did also communicate with the LAFC fans before making his way to the Banc of California Stadium and guess what? The message posted to the club's social media channels was delivered by the man himself in perfect Spanish.

Now, in case you're unaware, the former Tottenham Hotspur winger was often criticised by the media during his time in Madrid for not speaking the language.

Judging by the footage below, Bale's Spanish sounds pretty much perfect to us...

Video: Gareth Bale's message to LAFC fans in perfect Spanish

Fair play, Gareth.

The newest chapter in Bale's playing career will partly act as a warmup for his World Cup debut later on in the year.

Wales qualified for the tournament at the start of June by beating Ukraine 1-0 in a European play-off. It will be their first appearance at the sporting showpiece since 1958.

Speaking to ESPN, Bale discussed his World Cup preparation and what he hopes to achieve as an LAFC player.

Gareth Bale meets the Los Angeles FC fans
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 08: Gareth Bale of Los Angeles FC waves to fans before a game against the Los Angeles Galaxy in the first half at Banc of California Stadium on July 08, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 08: Gareth Bale of Los Angeles FC waves to fans before a game against the Los Angeles Galaxy in the first half at Banc of California Stadium on July 08, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

"The best prep is to play games," he said. "I want to come here. I want to play games and make my stamp and do as best I can to try and help LAFC win a trophy.

"And I can help with the youngsters because it's a very young team here, give them advice, seeing what I do in terms of professional standard and try to help them.

"The league is a growing league. It was an exciting opportunity I felt was right for me and my family.

"It's very new but it's something that's really glamorous. It's just a very attractive club."