The Welshman enjoyed a brief but successful spell with Los Angeles FC, helping the team lift the MLS Cup in 2022.
"Unfortunately, a lot of players come over towards the end of their careers. I did the same, but I really loved my time here. I actually wish I came over earlier," Bale told Front Office Sports.
“But if you’re getting offered a lot more money in Europe, you’re not really going take less salary to come here and grow the game, unfortunately. We’d all love to do that, but it’s not really viable. It’s a job at the end of the day.
“My time in L.A., I loved it, I loved traveling to those different cities,” Bale added. “They are iconic. Going to New York, playing in L.A., going to Texas. They’re cool places to go to, never mind playing football.”
LAFC marked Bale's final professional chapter before his retirement in January 2023, with the Welsh star appearing in 12 league matches and scoring twice.
He is especially remembered for his heroics in the 2022 MLS Cup, where his third goal for the club secured LAFC's first-ever league title.