Cardiff City have wished Gareth Bale the very best as they delivered a classy message despite the Wales captain choosing a move to America over his home-town club.
Bale was torn between joining the Bluebirds and signing for Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer and has opted to go Stateside.
The Bluebirds felt they were close to landing the biggest transfer in Welsh football history after presenting Bale with a complicated package he and his representatives were understood to be happy with.
READ MORE: Gareth Bale at Cardiff City training base as he speaks with manager Steve Morison for first time
But in reality a Championship club should never have been in the race to sign a world class player of Bale's stature. In the end, the lure of a year on the west coast of America, with the vast riches on offer, proved too much for Cardiff to match.
Bale, at 32, can still command an enormous salary because of his goal-getting ability. In an ironic twist, Cardiff's Malaysian owner Vincent Tan was part owner of Los Angeles FC until recently before selling his stake in the American club to focus upon the Bluebirds.
Cardiff chairman Mehmet Dalman said upon learning of Bale's decision on Saturday: "We wish Gareth the very best, want to see him get fit and do well for Wales at the World Cup.
"We hope he plays really well and that Wales also do well as a result.
"Gareth will always be welcome back home whenever he wants. He'd always be welcome at Cardiff whenever he feels it's his time."
That last comment could be viewed as the Bluebirds leaving the door ajar for Bale should he wish to sign for his home-town team when the 12-month deal with the American club is over.
However, Cardiff's planning is very much for the present with manager Steve Morison having made a number of new signings in a revamped squad, more to come shortly and skipper Joe Ralls having put pen to paper on a new deal.
"For us it's business as usual, we'll continue to look to improve the team in order to do well in the coming season," continued Dalman.
Cardiff have never said anything publicly about their summer attempt to land Bale and it appears they won't, given negotiations were in private.
But Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett has previously stated Cardiff 'ticked a lot of boxes' for Gareth. The Bluebirds were an option he genuinely considered and our understanding is there was a contract on the table.
This week, however, Bale was wrestling between whether to join Cardiff or move to America. After discussing the matter with those close to him, Bale opted for Los Angeles FC and Cardiff say they 'fully respect' his decision.
A number of other leading clubs also wanted to sign Bale, but the choice ended up being boiled down to Cardiff or America.
Bale heads off on a holiday to the Maldives shortly and when he returns he will work out a fitness programme to ensure he is in tip top shape leading Wales into the World Cup this winter.
Wales begin their World Cup campaign against the USA in Qatar on November 21, with Rob Page's men facing Iran four days later. The Red Dragons conclude the group stage against England on November 29.
Los Angeles FC are currently leading the MLS Eastern Conference, having won nine of their 15 matches so far this season. The ambitious American club recently signed Italy legend and Euro 2020 winner Giorgio Chiellini following his release from Juventus.
Cardiff's attitude is very much one of understanding and respecting Bale's decision.
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