Gareth Bale, who joined Los Angeles FC as a late replacement in their victory over Nashville, has made an impressive debut for his new team.
Bale, 33, left Real Madrid at the end of his tenure at the Bernabeu and just agreed to a one-year deal with the MLS team.
The Wales captain came off the bench in the 72nd minute of the team's match against Nashville on Sunday, much to the pleasure of both sets of fans at GEODIS Park in Tennessee.
Bale made a cunning backheel with his very first play in the game, fooling an opponent and launching a LAFC onslaught.
During his brief stint, he displayed other glimmers of his talent as LAFC won 2-1 on goals from Cristian Arango and Jose Cifuentes.
Giorgio Chiellini, an Italian defender who recently joined LAFC from Juventus, also made his debut for the team.
With a game still to play, LAFC's victory kept them a point ahead of Austin at the top of the MLS Western Conference.
Bale was spotted cheering and raising his fist in the direction of LA supporters near the tunnel after the game while stopping to sign jerseys for supporters.
"My skin itched. I wanted to leave the bench as soon as possible to help the team and play for a while "Bale remarked following a full game.
"Starting my workout routine is vital for me personally as well. Obviously, the European season is coming to a conclusion, so it was fantastic to get some playing time and even more crucially, we gained the three points. We're all joyful."
Bale continued, "I want to come in and do what I do, but I also want to fit in with the team's playing style. It will take some time to get used to everything, but because I'm so interested in football, it won't take me long to catch up.
"The only thing that matters right now is to do some exercise and work on improving your fitness. Simply put, I can't wait to start the season for myself and do everything in my power to support the club."
In LAFC's upcoming game against Sporting Kansas City on Sunday, Bale might get his first LAFC start.
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