World Cup: Gareth Bale Speaks On Retirement After Wales Are Eliminated

Wales winger, Gareth Bale has addressed speculations about his future after they were dumped out of the 2022 World Cup by England.

The Three Lions won 3-0 on Tuesday night, November 29, 2022, thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford (2) and Phil Foden.

Bale was taken off at half-time due to a hamstring injury.

It led to talks that the former Real Madrid star could have played his last game.

But with their exit from the competition confirmed on Tuesday by defeat against Gareth Southgate's side, Bale said he wanted to continue his playing career.

"I will keep going as long as I can and as long as I am wanted," Bale said. "We [Wales] go again in March."

When asked whether he would be involved at the start of his country's Euro 2024 qualifying campaign next spring, he said, "I hope so, yes."

Bale failed to complete a full 90 minutes for LAFC following his arrival from Madrid at the end of the European season last summer, but he did score a late extra-time goal to help the club win its first MLS Cup on penalties against Philadelphia Union earlier this month.

Bale is under contract at LAFC until June 2023, with options for a further 18 months, and his commitment to playing for Wales suggests he will return to Los Angeles for the start of the 2023 MLS season.

Wales manager Rob Page said that he is keen to have Bale back in the squad when the side plays their next match -- a Euro 2024 qualifier against Croatia on March 25.

"I don't think it will be the last time you see Gareth in a Wales jersey," Page said. "We have games in March for the start of our Euro 2024 campaign and we want to make a flying start, so I'm sure you will see him in a Wales shirt again.

"He was struggling during the first half with his hamstring and would only have been 70% fit for the second half and we needed everybody at full strength, so it was the right decision for the team to take him off and he accepted that.