Bale to the Bluebirds ‘ticks all the boxes’ – Page

ROB Page admits a move to Cardiff City ‘ticks all the boxes’ for superstar Gareth Bale.

Bale (pictured) is coming to the end of what has been a financially lucrative and trophy-laden stint at Real Madrid this summer, and speculation has long been bubbling away over what his future may hold.

Rumours linking him with a move to hometown club simply refuse to go away, although there have also been links to Tottenham Hotspur and MLS.

The 32-year-old has been named in the squad for Real Madrid’s finalday clash with Real Betis, although it remains to be seen whether he will play any part, with relations between Bale and the club seemingly at their lowest ebb.

There are similar questions around whether Bale will play any part in the upcoming Champions League final with Liverpool later this month - a stage that may yet give the Welshman an opportunity for one last hurrah in the famous white shirt.

In contrast to the hostilities in the Spanish capital, Bale will be showered with adulation from each and every member of the Red Wall when he marches out at Cardiff City Stadium on June 5, with Page hoping the former Tottenham man can muster up the magic needed to elevate his team into their first World Cup since 1958.

Should Wales qualify, the questions over what comes next for Bale will only intensify, and Page admits that a move to the Bluebirds wouldn’t at all dampen his enthusiasm for taking his skipper to Qatar.

“If he was playing for Cardiff and we had qualified for the World Cup I wouldn’t change my thoughts or respect for Gareth whatsoever,” he said.

“He would definitely be a part of the World Cup squad anyway. As long as he is out playing football - that’s the most important thing for us.”

When asked if he understood why the links with City have persisted, Page added: “Yeah, absolutely. It ticks all the boxes. Ultimately, it’s Gareth’s decision and Cardiff City’s.

“And I think he’s [his agent’s] right to say ‘Let’s throw full focus on to the 5th’. Let’s get there first and have that discussion.

“I will put no pressure on Gareth whatsoever. It’s over to him and his family and he will make the best decision for him.”