Gareth Bale Embraces New Chapter as Wales Eyes World Cup Qualification
Wales football legend Gareth Bale has expressed enthusiasm about potentially playing under national team manager Craig Bellamy.
Bale, who retired in 2023 as Wales' all-time leading men's goalscorer with 111 appearances, believes the team has been revitalized since Bellamy took the helm in July 2024.
The former Real Madrid star feels that Wales is "right in the mix" for qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
In Group J, Wales is currently separated by just one point from North Macedonia and Belgium as they vie for a spot in the tournament or a play-off berth.
"I played with him, so it would have been great to be part of his team. However, I believe my time to step back was appropriate. It’s important to let the younger players come through and lead the team for the next decade," Bale stated.
"The campaign so far has been promising, with a few tense moments, but I think Craig has done an excellent job. He has come in, reignited the team's passion, and introduced a youthful and fresh dynamic, which was much needed. We are right where we want to be in the competition," he added.
Wales is set to face Belgium in their next qualifying match in October, and Bale anticipates an exciting showdown in Cardiff. "We have some strong teams in our group, and it's easy to be eliminated quickly. The fact that we are still competing at the top with other nations is crucial," he noted.
"It’s going to be a significant game against Belgium, but I am confident Craig will prepare the players well, and the fans will be there to support them," Bale concluded.
Bale Content Despite Unsuccessful Cardiff Bid
If circumstances had been different, Bale could have been a regular at Cardiff City Stadium this season, as he was part of a consortium that attempted to acquire the club. However, Cardiff's owners dismissed the proposal.
Bale emphasized that he is not in a hurry to make future commitments in football, as he enjoys spending time with his family and working as a TV pundit. Nonetheless, he expressed interest in exploring club ownership down the line.
"I always knew my football career wouldn’t last forever. I cherish the time spent with my family and stay connected to the sport through television work. My children keep me very busy," he remarked.
"It’s wonderful to have time to be with them and not miss out on their upbringing, finally being able to enjoy fatherhood. At this moment, I am quite content where I am," he added.
Bale is not ruling out future involvement in football. "If an opportunity arose with a football club, I would definitely be interested and would love to explore that possibility. I’m still relatively new to retirement and enjoying this phase of relaxation," he concluded.