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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ian Mitchelmore

Gareth Bale reveals when he'll decide his next move as he categorically rules out club

Gareth Bale will make a decision on his club future after going on holiday following the current international break.

The 32-year-old is a free agent after being released by Real Madrid and has been linked with a raft of clubs of late, including Cardiff City. Wales' World Cup qualification means Bale is now eager to find a new club in a bid to ensure he is in peak condition for the Qatar tournament later this year.

And while he confirmed he has not yet made a decision on where his club future lies, the Wales captain ruled out a switch to Getafe following claims that the Spanish outfit had held talks with his representatives.

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"I just want to be playing going into the World Cup to be as fit as I can," said Bale. "I think I heard the manager saying ideally he wants everybody to be playing, and everybody wants to be playing.

"Hopefully I can enjoy my holiday and then decide where I want to be and what I want to do to try and play games to be as fit as I can for the World Cup. Once I get back into playing regular football, my body will get more robust and a bit better.

"It's very difficult when you're in and out of a team to get a rhythm in terms of your fitness and health. Any player will tell you, playing week-in week-out, your body becomes more robust, you get used to it and you get fitter by doing that. I just need to play games and I'll be good to go.

"I guess whoever I go to it'll be a win-win because hopefully I'll be playing well and getting myself ready. Once these internationals are over, I'll have plenty of time to go on holiday and decide my future then." And when asked if he was on the brink of a decision, Bale responded: "No. But I'm not going to Getafe that's for sure."

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Wales round off the current camp with fixtures against Belgium and Netherlands while they will conclude their preparations for the World Cup in September when they face Belgium and Poland in the Nations League. Following the 1-0 play-off final win over Ukraine, boss Rob Page confirmed his contract had been extended until Wales' involvement in the World Cup was ended. It comes as Ryan Giggs prepares for his court case in August amid domestic violence charges - allegations the Manchester United legend denies.

But Bale has backed Page to continue in the role beyond this year's tournament in Qatar. "I think he is the long-term manager," added Bale. "I don't think there is any question in the changing room or from the fans. He's done an incredible job coming in in difficult circumstances.

"Everyone with him has a great relationship. We have that good mixture where we can have a bit of fun but, when we need to work, we work hard. We do it correctly. There's a great balance.

"He's been great for us. Even his backroom staff with Alan Knill, Kit Symons and all the other staff have been incredible. I guess that's why you achieve big things when your team is happy and your manager is doing well."

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Page confirmed Kieffer Moore (back), Joe Morrell (broken toe) and Danny Ward (knee) will all miss Wales' Nations League clash with Belgium this weekend due to injury while a few other members of the squad are dealing with "minor knocks".

Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey is available after missing the 2-1 defeat to Netherlands through injury. And Page has said Wales will use the remaining two matches this month to prepare for the World Cup.

"We'll pick a team that we want to go out and compete and win a game of football, with one eye on planning for the World Cup, how we want to play and what we want to do, irrespective of who the opposition is," said the head coach. "We're now thinking of what we need to do and what we might come up against in the World Cup and plan accordingly. There'll be a few things that we try tomorrow."

Kick-off against Belgium is at 7:45pm on Saturday.

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