Gareth Bale has turned down a chance to join Wrexham after the former Tottenham and Real Madrid man raised eyebrows when entering into a comedic exchange on social media with the club's Hollywood owners.
After the National League side secured promotion to League Two for next season Bale was on-hand to offer the Red Dragons congratulations after a historic season but it ended with offers from Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds for a retirement U-turn. Bale called time on his playing days in January following the World Cup.
Any hopes of seeing the five-time Champions League winner running down the touchline once more have been dealt an abrupt end, though. Despite teasing fans on social media with talk of playing golf in Wales and coming back for 'one last magical season' it has been put to bed.
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Speaking at the UK Sport Industry Awards 2023, Bale said: "No I don’t think so," when asked about the prospect of playing for Wrexham. "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."
He added that he wasn't missing the buzz or professional football either: "No. I’m enjoying my time away. I started at a young age and felt the time was right."
It follows several message on Twitter that appeared to be building towards an unlikely return to the pitch for Bale. "Hey @GarethBale11 let’s play golf, where I totally won’t spend 4 hours trying to convince you to un-retire for one last magical season," McElhenney replied to the initial video.
Bale then excited fans by asking which course. Reynolds then got involved, adding: "I will shave a professional-grade golf course into Rob’s back if you’ll give Wrexham a season."
Those dreams now look to have been shattered with the 33-year-old cutting the chances short.
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