Gareth Bale speaks after being quizzed on Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham offer

Gareth Bale speak after being quizzed on Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham offer, after attracting a lot of attention this week.

Gareth Bale has, maybe unsurprising to many, turned down the opportunity to play for Wrexham who have just won promotion to English Football League.

Actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney cheekily offered the former Wales international the chance to play for the Welsh outfit, who will be in League Two for the first time in 15 years next season.

McElhenney teased the idea that Bale could come out of retirement and sign for Wrexham after Bale sent a congratulatory message to the club.

Bale however has finally ruled out the idea of returning to retirement for the UK Sport Industry Awards in 2023. He ended his career as a player after leading Wales at the World Cup.

“Hi Rob, just want to congratulate you on your promotion and everything you’re doing at Wrexham,” said Bale before giving a thumbs up to the camera.

McElhenney responded: “Hey Gareth Bale let’s play golf, where I totally won’t spend 4 hours trying to convince you to un-retire for one last magical season.”

Reynolds added: “I will shave a professional-grade golf course into Rob’s back if you’ll give Wrexham a season” before posting a picture of Bale in a Wrexham shirt and saying: “What if…”

But Bale, who retired in January after captaining Wales in the Qatar World Cup – is happy with how life is right now.

What if… pic.twitter.com/m8O8DG5U6j

— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) April 27, 2023

When he was questioned if he was tempted to play football again at Wrexham, Bale said: “No I don’t think so. I think I was looking more for a free round of golf off Rob.

“I’m sure we’ll have a chat and a joke but I’m quite happy where I am.

“I’m spending a lot of time with my kids, my wife, time that I’ve lost so much over the years being committed to football. I’m just enjoying family life and playing some golf.”

Bale was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Sport Award at the London ceremony, with the Football Association of Wales were named Sport Organisation of the Year.

Asked if he was missing football, he replied: “No. I’m enjoying my time away. I started at a young age and felt the time was right.

“We left Wales football in a great place and I’m sure they’re going to still continue to strive and do good things.”

Gareth Bale has responded to the pleas from Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney urging him to step out of retirement 👀 pic.twitter.com/WuXYIrcqfu

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) April 28, 2023

Here’s how Twitter users reacted as Gareth Bale speaks after being quizzed on Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham offer…

@tysonpunched: “I don’t think so” will turn into a contract if he plays a round with Rob. We have all seen how he got Parky and Mullin. Relentless 🤣

@Leightongreat: Let’s be honest. The man hasn’t played football in months. Not only is his heart not in it but he wouldn’t be close to match fit…. even in League Two he wouldn’t be able to play a 90 minute game. Let him enjoy some golf 😅

@yetigoosecreat: Didn’t say no though, did he! 😂

@holly_m_rogers: It’s not nice to play with our emotions, Ryan

@Michael20782377: Put a golf course in next to the stadium

@ThomasMarkBaker: It wouldn’t surprise me if he put in an appearance on their pre-season jaunt to the US mind. Not playing as such, just showing his face for a bit of promotion.

@HelenOa09466663: He didn’t say no.

@carlcymru: Does the manager want him or see him fit in a settled squad and system? What would be the impact upon operating with FFP rules, assuming they are applied across the Football League?

@ngashcro: Pre season US appearance me thinks… would be epic.

@HCAFCPenny: shock gareth bale doesn’t want to come out of retirement to join a league 2 club

@CannonChatter: Pretty sure @aaronramsey is out of contract this summer too, maybe get them both in

@LargeRugby: Golf. Golf. Golf. In that order.

@fplbowen20: He didn’t shut it down completely, there’s still an extremely small chance!

@GeorgeJonesWxm: Surely they wouldn’t have put those tweets up for nothing

@RobRyanRed: Don’t ruin the fun, Gareth 😂

@Tobermoree: Where’s his sense of adventure

@craigyjones17: I’m sure he will and I bet it’s already been agreed.

@WrexhamCanada: C’mon Gareth 🤣

@wbrownkl: That’s not a hard “no”

@ELobach12: Parky told R&R no flat out at first so 🤷🏻‍♂️

@slimtimcann: That’s a “ yes if you pay me enough and let me play golf every day “

🖋 Gareth Bale is definitely playing for #WxmAFC in a few of those friendlies in the USA isn’t he….. pic.twitter.com/l9tJXxGzGs

— (C) Fearless In Devotion – Wrexham AFC pod & zine (@fearlessidzine) April 27, 2023