Gareth Bale retires: Rob Page says former captain could have role to play in Wales set-up | Football News

Wales manager Rob Page has told Gareth Bale it is the right time to end his football career – and hinted he could play a part in the set-up in the future.

Bale, a five-time Champions League winner at Real Madrid, brought an illustrious career to an end on Monday after winning 111 caps and scoring 41 goals for his country – both Wales men’s team records.

The 33-year-old’s decision follows a disappointing performance for Wales at the World Cup in Qatar as Page’s side failed to get out of the group and Bale struggled with a lack of match fitness.

“It’s phenomenal what he’s done for us – not just from a football point of view but as a nation,” Page said exclusively. Sky Sports.

“He put Wales on the global map with what he did in European football at Real Madrid and what he did at Tottenham in the Premier League and then at the World Cup with Wales.

“From a cultural point of view and Wales in general, we should all be proud of what he has done for us.

“Now I have worked with him for many years and when I was in the U21s I could see from a distance that he really wanted to play for his country.

“Now, after working closely, another level again. He is very proud to wear the jersey. He was the first to cross the building and he is a tribute to himself and his family for his actions in the group.

“Of course, he’s going to be missed. It’s not the kind of news we want to start the new year with but we know it’s coming one day. We just don’t know when it’s going to come.”

At the end of Bale’s speech, Bale said he was “down but not back”.

Page hopes that the next generation will be able to cultivate his knowledge.

“When you have someone like Bale and what he’s done for Wales, the impact he can have – even in the dressing room and the impact he has on the players, then I’ve got to take advantage of that.

“He’s interested in doing it in any capacity and that’s a conversation we’ll have personally about further, no doubt.

“He will be very keen and I think there have been discussions before about staying involved in some capacity.

“The important thing to do now is to celebrate his career. When the time is right, we will talk about what capacity he should play.”

Page revealed that Bale contacted him on Friday to inform him of his decision to retire, and said he agreed with the captain.

“Gareth said he needed a chat,” Page added BBC Radio Wales.

“I knew it was something important, but when he announced it to me, it wasn’t a surprise.

“I told him, I think it’s the right time to bow out. You just scored in the World Cup and got everything on your CV, what you’ve done for this country is unbelievable.”

Wales begin their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign in March and Page confirmed that Bale, who plays for Los Angeles FC in MLS, will be selected for the double header against Croatia and Latvia.

He said: “He will have a role. The role may change a bit.

“Can they play 90 minutes back? Lessons have been learned from Qatar, the athleticism of every team is there.

“It’s a big ask for him, he can be an impact player coming off the bench.

“There’s a mix of emotions for me. I’m excited now because it’s an opportunity to get some of the young guys through – players like Brennan Johnson to take the opportunity and step up to the plate – and get Gareth Bale next.

“But there is also a sense of sadness because this is the last time we will see Gareth Bale put on a pair of boots for Wales.”

Page said he had spoken to Bale about him staying in the Wales set-up, although the exact nature of that role remains unclear.

“I’m glad he can still be involved in some capacity, whether that role is yet to be determined,” he said.

“It’s a big adjustment for him, going back to normal life, but we’ll talk to him again in a couple of weeks.

“We will make plans going forward because he has a lot to offer in the dressing room and the hotel environment.

“His presence is something I’d like to have, to have him involved, but I’ll leave it up to Gareth and what’s right for him and his family.

“You’ve seen Belgium do it with Thierry Henry. Ex-players step up, whether it’s a coaching role, an ambassadorial role, or being part of a decision-making committee.

“I’m sure the FAW (Football Association of Wales) would also like to have Gareth involved in some capacity.”

LAFC had named Bale in their pre-season camp on Sunday before being told he would be out of the game.

“It surprised us, but on the other hand, if he explains mentally and physically, we understand and respect the decision,” LAFC president and general manager John Thorrington said in a press conference.

“We appreciate the forthrightness that comes to us when they do. Last year I was frustrated, mostly for Gareth but for us, it was a bit stop-start at times.”

Bale started just two games after moving to the United States in June, scoring three goals in 13 appearances overall.

But Bale left a lasting legacy as a header in stoppage time against Philadelphia Union took the MLS Cup final to penalties, which LAFC eventually won to lift the trophy for the first time.

Thorrington said: “I think that frustration will win when we talk about the narrative of what Gareth Bale means here at LAFC.

“We have the MLS Cup because of everyone, but without them, we don’t have the MLS Cup.

“The bottom line of his story here in six short months is his work. He’s part of LAFC history.