Gareth Bale’s agent recently shut down rumors linking the Wales legend to Wrexham following efforts in recruiting him to the club.
Wrexham are back in the Football League for the first time in 15 years, and as far as the North Wales club is concerned, the only way is up.
At the back end of this season the Red Dragons managed to tempt former England and Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster out of retirement to come and play for the club.
More recently, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have had their eyes on an even bigger star, Real Madrid and Wales legend, Gareth Bale.
Reynolds and McElhenney’s attempts to lure Bale out of retirement
33-year-old Gareth Bale announced his playing retirement in January after representing Wales at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. At club level he most recently played for Major League Soccer team LAFC, where, during a 13-game stint, won the MLS Cup.
The idea of Bale playing for Wrexham next season started on social media when congratulated Rob McElhenney for the club’s promotion.
“Hi Rob, just want to congratulate you on your promotion and everything you’re doing at Wrexham,” Bale said in a viral video.
McElhenney then responded: “Hey Gareth Bale let’s play golf, where I totally won’t spend 4 hours trying to convince you to un-retire for one last magical season.”
Ryan Reynolds then got in on the action, photoshopping a picture of Bale in a Wrexham shirt and posting it on social media pages with the caption ‘What if.’
Gareth Bale’s agent shuts down talk of Wales legend joining Wrexham
However, Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett has poured cold water on the transfer speculation, saying that Gareth simply no longer has the desire or fitness to play again.
He told Sky Sports: “I think for him, it [retirement] was the right time.
“He’s achieved everything he wanted to achieve – he played for Wales at the highest level of the World Cup, which is what he really wanted to do. And I think he knew his body wasn’t up to it anymore. He’s had a hard time with his body the last few years.
“He’s flattered by the offers but they’ve all been tongue-in-cheek. He’s having a great life at the moment and it’s well deserved. He’s been the best British footballer, probably ever.
“They [Rob and Ryan] haven’t actually spoken to me, they may have spoken to Gareth. But Gareth doesn’t want to play football any more. He’s had a great career, he enjoyed himself but he’s living a great life now. He’s with his family, which is the most important thing. He’s spending a lot of time with his children and that’s what he wants to do. He’ll do obviously do other things later down the line.”
Bale himself was recently asked about the tempting offer to play for Wrexham after receiving the Outstanding Contribution to Sport Award at the UK Sport Industry Awards.
“No, I don’t think so,” he replied. “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.
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