Gareth Bale Reveals He Is Planning To Play For Wales At Euro 2024 And Possibly Beyond

There had been suggestions that Bale, 32, might hang up his boots after the upcoming World Cup in Qatar, where Wales will take on the United States, Iran and rivals England in Group B.

Bale has now made it clear he intends to play beyond the end of this season, with the next European Championships in Germany and the 2026 World Cup in Canada, the United States and Mexico both potential targets.

"I'm still 32 - 33 at the end of the week - and I still have many years to come," said Bale, speaking at his first press conference for Los Angeles FC.

"I haven't come here to be here for six months, 12 months, I've come here to try to be here as long as possible.

"I want to do as well as I can, make my mark on this league, this team. I'm looking forward to the future, it's not a short thing.

"It also gives me the best opportunity to keep going to the next Euros, maybe further, so my plan is to really work hard.

"There's a great physical team [at the club], medical staff, performance staff at the training ground and we've got a great plan going forward to get me up to speed and hopefully last as long as possible.

"By being here gives me the best possible chance to make it to the Euros and you never know, maybe one more, that's my goal. I feel I'm here to play a big part."

Bale is second on the all-time appearance list for Wales, having won 106 caps for his country.

He is currently three behind all-time record holder Chris Gunter and is likely to surpass him later this year.

But for now his main focus is on settling in at Los Angeles FC, who are currently top of the Western Conference in the MLS after winning 12 of their 19 games so far this season.

Steve Cherundolo's side have also recruited Italian legend Giorgio Chiellini this summer following his departure from Juventus and Bale is excited by the ambition of his new club.

"Speaking to Larry [Berg, lead managing owner] and John [Thorrington, co-president and general manager] on Zoom, straight away it felt like the right destination to be at," said Bale.

"The exciting project, the club that's growing, they're doing well at the moment and the city's not bad as well! I want to try to help grow football in the US as well. I want to try to help the youngsters grow. I was speaking to a couple of them this morning and if I can help them in any way possible I will.

"For players who have experienced a lot in their careers I think we have a responsibility to grow the game all around the world as well. This is a league that's really growing. It's come a long way in the last 10 years and everyone is striving to improve this league. The players that come over see that as well.

"I don't think anyone now sees it as a retirement league. It's physical, it's demanding, the weather changes are difficult, the travel is difficult but it's exciting to play in front of fans like the '3252'. It's what you play football for.

"The atmosphere is incredible in these stadiums and it will be great to witness it."