Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
James Nursey

Gareth Bale makes decision on club future after disappointing World Cup with Wales

Gareth Bale is preparing to play on next season in the MLS and keen to stay with Los Angeles FC.

Bale’s future was thrown into doubt by Wales’ poor showing at the World Cup where they finished bottom in Group B.

It prompted some pundits to predict Wales’ record scorer may retire after fulfilling his lifelong ambition of playing at a World Cup.

But despite disappointing efforts in Qatar by both Bale and Wales, the veteran, 33, has pledged to continue playing for his country if needed.

Boss Rob Page and FAW officials feel Bale can still play a huge role as a squad member helping nurture their young players even if he is sometimes a sub in future.

But Bale’s club future has been more uncertain after he only made two starts and 13 appearances for Los Angeles FC after joining in June.

His 12-month deal there includes an option through until 2024 and Bale is now open to continuing with LA.

He acknowledges he wasn’t fit enough in Qatar and hopes he can do better next season with LA.

He ended his debut season in America as a trophy winner after scoring in the MLS Cup final.

But his time in the MLS and at the World Cup was affected by niggling injuries which the ace aims to overcome.

Bale scored Wales' equaliser against the USA (PA)

The star and his family have settled well in America and are keen to continue there.

Bale is now resting this Christmas but plans to be ready for the new season in February.

Bale, who has 41 goals in 111 international appearances, then hopes to represent his country again when they return to action on March 25, 2023 away in Croatia in Euro 2024 qualifying Group D which also includes Latvia, Armenia and Turkey.

Speaking after Wales were knocked out of the World Cup, Bale said: "We go again in March. I will keep going as long as I can and as long as I am wanted. I hope so.

Bale won the MLS Cup in November, scoring in the final against Philadelphia Union (Getty Images)

"Everyone is disappointed [to be knocked out] but we are all proud of what we have achieved to get here to qualify. We have to look how far we have come. Of course, we would have loved to get past the group but football is difficult.

"We didn't quite live up to our expectations but we will take massive experience from it. To be at a World Cup, we need to look how far we've come. If you'd said that two years ago we'd have all to pinch ourselves.

"We need to realise how far we have come, how proud we are of each other. We have worked really hard to get here, and like I said it is just disappointing to go out but we will walk out of that changing room with our heads held high and proud of each other.

"We are frustrated. We would have loved to have played better and created more chances but it just didn't happen to us in this tournament. In the past two Euros we have got out of the group. We always give 100 per cent and play with hearts - there are no regrets."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.