Wrexham Co-Owner Rob McElhenney Persists in Pursuit of Gareth Bale
Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney has reiterated his invitation to Gareth Bale, reminding the retired Welsh legend that his offer is “still on the table” as he attempts to coax Bale out of retirement.
Gareth Bale’s Retirement and Career Highlights
Gareth Bale, who retired in January 2023 at the age of 34, left fans in shock with his decision to step away from football. His final professional stint was with Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles FC, following his illustrious career at Real Madrid. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation, Bale won five Champions League trophies with Los Blancos but grew disenchanted with football towards the end of his career.
Despite his club troubles, Bale cherished playing for Wales and fulfilled a lifelong dream by participating in the World Cup in 2022, helping his nation qualify for the first time since 1958. However, a strained relationship with Real Madrid led to accusations that Bale prioritized golf over football, culminating in his retirement after a brief period in the United States.
McElhenney’s Offers to Revive Bale’s Career
Rob McElhenney has made multiple attempts to lure Bale back to football, envisioning him as the face of Wrexham. Although Bale turned down McElhenney’s initial offer last year, the Wrexham co-owner renewed his efforts following the club’s promotion to League One.
“Gareth Bale is still technically available! I made the plea last year and I’m just going to tell Gareth that the offer is still on the table,” McElhenney told The Athletic. “We’ll let him play golf whenever he wants. Just as long as he comes training and we’ll figure out how to get him in the team.”
With some pre-season training, Bale would undoubtedly become Wrexham’s standout player and a major star in the EFL. However, Bale appears content with his decision to retire. His agent, Jonathan Barnett, affirmed last year that Bale has no desire to return to football.
Bale’s Contentment in Retirement
Bale’s agent, Jonathan Barnett, explained to Sky Sports News that Bale’s retirement came at the right time. “I think for him, it [retirement] was the right time,” Barnett said. “He’s achieved everything he wanted to achieve — he played for Wales at the highest level of the World Cup, which is what he really wanted to do, and I think he knew his body wasn’t up to it anymore. He’s had a hard time with his body the last few years.”
Barnett emphasized that Bale is enjoying his post-football life. “He’s had a great career. He’s enjoyed himself, but he is having a great life now. He is with his family, which is the most important thing. He’s spending a lot of time with his children and that’s what he wants to do. Yes, he’ll do other things, obviously later down the line, but at the moment, let him just enjoy himself.”
Despite Bale’s contentment in retirement, McElhenney remains hopeful and acknowledges that the upcoming season will be a significant test of Wrexham’s character.
