Wales boss wants captain Bale to continue playing for national team in a different capacity after he hangs up his boots

2023-01-11 13:58

Wales boss wants captain Bale to continue playing for national team in a different capacity after he hangs up his boots


After Gareth Bell, the 33-year-old Welsh captain and top striker, officially announced to hang up his boots recently, Wales coach Rob Page revealed that he hopes Bell can play another role in the future and continue to play for the national team.


Gareth Bale has made 111 career appearances for his country


The peak of Bell's career was when he played for the La Liga club Real Madrid. He played for Real Madrid for the longest 9 years and helped the team win 5 Champions League titles, 4 Club World Cup titles, 3 European Super Cups and La Liga titles , 2 Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey champions.


And this world-class striker from Wales also won the Club World Cup Golden Globe and Golden Boot in 2018, contributing more than 80 goals for Real Madrid.


Bell is also the spiritual leader of the Welsh national team. He has played 111 games for the national team so far, scoring 41 goals and assists. His number of games and goals has broken the record of the Welsh men's national team.


Wales boss wants captain Bale to continue playing for national team in a different capacity after he hangs up his boots


In addition, the national captain also led Wales to the semi-finals of the 2016 European Championships in 2016, and also helped the national team enter the World Cup again after 64 years in 2022. Although the Welsh team missed the round of 16 in the World Cup in Qatar, Bale also contributed a goal during the period and was awarded the Order of the British Empire by the United Kingdom in recognition of his dedication to football and charity.


Captain Bale faces the end of his career


However, the 33-year-old Bell has faced the twilight of his career in the past two seasons, and his performance level has not been as good as before. He was abandoned by Real Madrid last season and switched to American League Los Angeles Football. However, he contributed 1 goal in 3 games in the World Cup and still failed to represent the team in the top 16. Iran and England.


This also made Bell realize that with the rise of the younger generation, his physical energy may not be able to support his professional player career. The national team also accepted Bale's decision after discussions with Wales coach Paige. Page also believes that after Bale contributed 1 goal for his country in the World Cup, this is the best time for him to withdraw.


Wales boss wants captain Bale to continue playing for national team in a different capacity after he hangs up his boots


Originally, in Wales' Euro 2024 qualifiers in March, Bell had a place in the lineup. However, coach Page considered that his physical fitness could not play a full 90 minutes, and he is more likely to play an influential role off the bench. In addition, there are also 21-year-old forward Brennan Johnson in the lineup as his successor. Bell is Time for an honorable exit from the field.


It is expected to stay with the national team in another capacity in the future


However, Page also added, "I hope Bell can participate in the national lineup in another capacity. As for what role is currently being arranged, it has not yet been determined. We will reach contact in the next few weeks. I believe that whether it is an ambassador, a coach As a member of the regiment or the decision-making committee, Bale can be competent and play a greater role for the national team."