BALE WREX COMEBACK DREAM
GARETH Bale has turned down the chance to come out of retirement and play for Hollywood- owned Wrexham.
Former Wales captain Bale was offered the opportunity to play for the Welsh club by actors and co- owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney following their promotion to the English Football League last weekend.
McElhenney wrote on Twitter: “Hey @ GarethBale11 let’s play some golf, where I totally won’t spend four hours trying to convince you to un- retire for one last magical season.”
Deadpool star Reynolds added: “I will shave a professional- grade golf course into Rob’s back if you’ll give Wrexham a season” before posting a picture of Bale in a Wrexham shirt and saying: “What if…”
But Bale, who ended his illustrious career in January after leading Wales to the World Cup, has knocked back the idea of coming out of retirement at the UK Sport Industry Awards 2023.
Asked if he was tempted to play football again at Wrexham, Bale said: “No I don’t think so.
“I think I was looking more for a free round of golf off Rob.
“I’m sure we’ll have a chat and a joke but I’m quite happy where I am.
“I’m spending a lot of time with my kids, my wife, time that I’ve lost so much over the years being committed to football. I’m just enjoying family life and playing some golf.”
Bale received the Outstanding Contribution to Sport Award at the London ceremony, while the Football Association of Wales were named Sport Organisation of the Year.
Asked if he missed football, former Real Madrid star Bale replied: “No. I’m enjoying my time away. I started at a young age and felt the time was right.
“We left Wales football in a great place and I’m sure they’re going to still continue to strive and do good things.”
Wrexham have finished their season with a National League points record.
A second season of Reynolds and McElhenney’s documentary series Welcome To Wrexham will be coming to Disney+ later this year, it has been announced.
The series documents the progress of Welsh side Wrexham AFC after being taken over by the Hollywood stars almost three years ago.
The pair have been widely praised for their investment and involvement in the club, raising the profile of the city and promoting Welsh language and culture.
The arrival of season two was announced by Disney on Thursday, with the US corporation promising that it would be “wild”.
Welcome To Wrexham won the 2022 Critics Choice Documentary Award for best sports documentary, and the pair have even been honoured by the Welsh Government for their efforts.