Gareth Bale takes first step for football return after announcing retirement

Wales head honcho Robert Page says he’s keen for Gareth Bale to return as a national team coach.

Bale, 33, announced his retirement from both club and international football earlier this year.

He made 111 appearances for the Wales senior side, with his final bow being the 0-3 defeat to England during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Since he hung up his football boots, Bale has been busy. He made his PGA Tour debut in February, with a handicap of two.

He left commentators in disbelief after producing a great chip shot on the second hole at Pebble Beach.

However, Wales boss Page, 48, said that football isn’t done with Bale yet.

Regarding Bale’s involvement with the national team, Page said, “We will meet and have discussions, he is still interested. It’s been a big decision for him to make.”

Page continued to say, “He still wants to be involved in whatever capacity it is. As long as I’m here I’d like Gareth to be a part of it.”

“We appreciate his value and what he can offer. It’s strange, Gareth was an unbelievable servant and player and he will be missed.”

Image: PA

While Bale’s playing days look like they are behind him, the former Wales captain could return as a coach.

“When you’ve got somebody of Bale’s stature and what he’s done for Wales and the impact he can have - even having him in the changing room around the players - I’ve got to take advantage of that.”

However, it doesn’t look like Bale’s return to the beautiful game will be anytime soon.

“We’ll let him have some time with his family,” continued Page.

“When the time is right, we’ll have a conversation about how we keep him involved and what capacity we keep him involved in.”

Image: PA

Since Bale’s departure from the national team, Aaron Ramsey has been appointed team captain. The Welsh midfielder, 32, was named skipper on Tuesday, March 14.

In a press conference, Page said that this promotion was a “natural progression” and “has a big opportunity to work with the young players.”

Ramsey has 78 caps for Wales. He’s set to lead his country in the Euro 2024 qualifiers later this month.

Wales are set to face both Croatia and Latvia in the first and second rounds of tournament qualifications.