Pep Guardiola has jokingly claimed that Gareth Bale will now "become a fantastic golf player" following his shock retirement from football.
On Monday, the Welsh icon brought the curtain down on an extraordinary career, which saw him win five Champions League titles and lead his country to a first World Cup in 64 years. Tributes have since poured in for the 33-year-old, who represented Southampton, Tottenham, Los Angeles FC and most famously Real Madrid in his stellar career.
But whilst Bale's mind turns to life after football, Guardiola is preparing his Manchester City side for a League Cup quarter final tie at Southampton on Wednesday night. And in Tuesday's press conference, he was initially asked if he ever came close to signing the star.
"Too expensive," joked the Spaniard. "What a player. Fantastic career, won a lot of things, and I think he represented Wales and won more than 100 caps - and now he will become a fantastic golf player."
Years ago, Guardiola openly invited Bale for 18 holes, and one reporter asked if that offer still stood. "He was busy (first time around). But now maybe he has time, I will invite him again."
Bale has never made any secret of his love of the fairways, and once famously risked the wrath of Madrid by holding up a flag which read 'Golf. Wales. Madrid. In that order' after helping his country qualify for Euro 2020. And developments this week has had fans speculating as to whether Greg Norman will soon be unveiling him on the Saudi backed LIV Golf tour.
@Charlienicko11 tweeted: "Such a shame that Gareth Bale has retired from domestic and international football. On the upside he’s the first new signing in 2023 by Greg Norman on the LIV Tour. Golf / Shotguns / Exhibitions (in that order)."
@JackWFarrell wrote: "What are the odds we see Gareth Bale playing with LIV golf in the next year? Special celebrity category, one per team…" while @Joe_Hugill tagged the official Paddy Power account when writing: "Could you give me a price on Gareth Bale to join LIV golf in 2023? #WhatOddsPaddy"
Bale famously has a replica of one of his favourite holes, the 17th 'island green' at TPC at Sawgrass, in his back garden. And an approach from LIV may not be beyond the realms of impossibility, given their previous attempts to involve global sports stars like Michael Jordan in the rebel venture.
