Wales' World Cup play-off hero Gareth Bale is 1/3 to continue his career with hometown club Cardiff City in 2022/23.
The 32 year-old, who will leave Real Madrid when his contract expires at the end of June, scored the only goal as Wales beat Ukraine to book their place at Qatar 2022 - a first World Cup appearance since 1958.
Bale hinted when speaking post-match that the result will force him to put any thoughts about a possible retirement on hold “for a little bit”.
“It’s the greatest result in the history of Welsh football," Bale told Sky Sports. “I’m just delighted we are going to a World Cup. It means everything, it’s what dreams are made of. I’m speechless. I’m so glad we’ve done it for these amazing fans.”
The former Tottenham and Real Madrid forward said he had nothing left to give when replaced by Wilson in the 83rd minute.
He added: “It was difficult. I haven’t played too much football these last three or four weeks because of my back spasm, but the most important thing was to get through.
“I give my all. I was running on empty but we’ve got good people on the bench to do a good job.”
Gareth Bale next club odds (via Sky Bet)
- Cardiff - 1/3
- Tottenham - 6/1
- Any MLS club - 7/1
- Newcastle - 12/1
- Nottingham Forest - 16/1
- Atletico Madrid - 20/1
- Southampton - 20/1
Odds correct 2000 (05/06/22)
🏴 Wales before Gareth Bale:
— Sporting Life Football & Infogol (@InfogolApp) June 5, 2022
‣ Never reached Euros
‣ World Cup 1958
🏴 Wales with Gareth Bale:
‣ Euro 2016
‣ Euro 2020
🏆 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝘂𝗽 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮 pic.twitter.com/CmopNHOatg
Bale ended his time with Madrid by lifting his fifth Champions League since joining in 2012, but the latter years have been tough.
He spent 20/21 on loan with Spurs and only played seven games in all competitions for Real this term - fewer than the eight he made for Wales.
Can Cardiff tempt Bale?
Victory on Sunday means Bale is likely to be on the look-out for regular game-time ahead of Qatar, making Cardiff are possible destination.
The Bluebirds are coached by Bale's former Wales teammate Steve Morison and finished 18th in the Sky Bet Championship in 2021/22.
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