‘He doesn’t want to play football anymore!’: Gareth Bale’s agent rules out Wrexham rumors, claiming the Welshman will NOT come out of retirement…
Gareth Bale’s agent has quashed rumors that his client is shockingly returning from retirement to sign for Wrexham.
There has been a lot of talk in recent weeks about the potentially sensational transfer that would see the five-time Champions League winner join the Welsh minnows in League Two.
Wrexham fans were hopeful the move would become a reality after Bale exchanged pleasantries on social media with club co-owner Rob McElhenney last month.
The two discussed playing a possible round of golf together, before the American suggested he try to persuade Bale to sign.
However, to the disappointment of many Wrexham fans, it appears that the transfer will not take place after the rumors were described as ‘tongue in cheek’.
Gareth Bale retired from football in January but has been linked with a move to Wrexham
However, his agent Jonathan Barnett dropped out of talks over a sensational move to League Two
Bale’s agent, Jonathan Barnett, was asked by Sky Sports if the rumors were serious, to which he replied: ‘I don’t think so. He is flattered by the offers, but they are all ironic.
“He’s having a great life right now and it’s well deserved. He was probably the best British footballer ever.’
When asked about the exchange between the owners of Bale and Wrexham, Barnett said: ‘They haven’t really spoken to me, maybe they have spoken to Gareth. But Gareth doesn’t want to play football anymore.
“He’s had a great career, he enjoyed himself, but he’s living a great life now. He’s with his family, that’s the most important thing.
“He spends a lot of time with his kids and that’s what he wants to do. Later he will of course do other things.’
Bale announced his retirement from football at the start of the calendar year, despite only signing for LAFC a few months earlier.
Barnett suggested Bale’s announcement was not a shock, saying: “We had talked about it for a long time. And I think it was the right time for him. He has achieved everything he wanted to achieve.
“Played for Wales at the highest level, the World Cup, which is what he really wanted to do. And I think he knew his body couldn’t take it anymore. He’s had a hard time with his body the last few years.’
Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds (L) and Rob McElhenney (R) had tried to persuade Bale to retire and sign for the Welsh side
Bale retired from football as Wales’ top goalscorer and appearance maker in their history
Barnett’s comment will come as a crushing blow to many Wrexham fans, who were hoping the Welshman would sign for the club.
Wrexham secured promotion to League Two last month after being crowned National League champions in a thrilling 3-1 win over Boreham Wood.
To celebrate, the players flew to Las Vegas for the party of a lifetime thanks to co-owner McElhenney.
Despite missing out on Bale, the Red Dragons are eager to get down to business over the summer and are interested in signing red-hot Cheltenham Town striker Alfie May.