Gareth Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett has confirmed that his client will be leaving Real Madrid - but failed to quash speculation over a potential retirement.
The 32-year-old’s recent Madrid nightmare is coming to an end and he will become a free agent at the end of the season. Despite winning every major honour during his time in the Spanish capital, he has remained a divisive figure and has fallen completely out of favour.
Bale spent last season on loan with Tottenham, before returning to Madrid with the hope of more regular playing time under his old boss Carlo Ancelotti. But he has played just five times in La Liga and less than 300 minutes in all competitions.
His form for the national side has remained strong however and played a crucial role in taking Wales to a play-off to secure a place in their first World Cup since 1958. But after such a tumultuous time at club level, it has been suggested he could call it a day.
And Barnett, who said a move back to England was most likely, said a decision over his long-term future would depend on Wales’ play-off fate and that elimination could change his mind.
"He leaves Real Madrid, but we have to wait for what Wales will be able to do,” Barnett told Portuguese outlet Record. “It all depends on whether Wales qualify for the World Cup, then we will make a decision, which may vary whether or not Wales go to the World Cup.
"Is it more likely to return to England? I think so, but we'll have to wait and see if Wales qualifies for the World Cup."
A number of clubs have been linked with a potential move and last month, Cardiff City boss Steve Morison admitted it would be “no brainer” to bring him to the club, but that the wing wizard would need to initiate contact, if he wants to make a sensational move to the Bluebirds. And after Cardiff chairman Mehmet Dalman said the Championship club would be “willing listeners” , Morison firmly agreed.
"Who wouldn't be? Is there anyone who wouldn't be a willing listener?!" Morison told Wales Online. "I'm not going to go and get Gareth Bale's number and ring him and say, 'Oh, by the way, do you want to come and join Cardiff?'
"It's an absolute no-brainer. It would be great. It would be a great boost for everybody. But if it did happen, he would have to come and be part of the change. He would have to come and fit in and buy into it.
"I'm sure if anything like that was going to happen then me and him would have a chat because there would be a lot to talk about. One of them would be making sure [the press] don't find out about it!"
