Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)

BALE MUST MAKE CALL

- JAMES NURSEY

BY

GARETH BALE will make a decision on his club future by February after telling Wales he is ready to play on with them.

Bale (above) achieved one of his greatest ambitions by leading Wales to their first World Cup since 1958.

Despite a disappoint­ing showing in Qatar by both Bale and Wales, the 33-year-old has pledged to continue playing for his country if needed.

Boss Rob Page and FAW officials feel Bale can still play a huge part as a squad member – helping nurture their young players even if his role is more of a substitute in the future.

Bale must now decide where to continue playing his club football after putting retirement plans on hold.

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

He has the option to continue his deal with LA for another season but he made only two starts and 13 appearance­s in total for them.

An emotional return to Cardiff has also been mooted – but sources close to the star reckon he is more likely to stay in the US for another MLS season, which starts in late February.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom