Laura Woods has jokingly apologised to Wrexham fans after asking Gareth Bale if he would come out of retirement to join them, with the former Real Madrid star turning down the opportunity.
Bale announced his retirement following the 2022 World Cup at the age of just 33, but speculation he could reverse his decision and join Wrexham was sparked by the club's co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney earlier this week.
After Bale congratulated Wrexham on their promotion to League Two, McElhenney asked if he fancied coming out of retirement. He joked on Twitter : "Hey @GarethBale11 let's play golf, where I totally won't spend 4 hours trying to convince you to un-retire for one last magical season."
And after Bale teased he might consider such a move by saying it "depends what course", Hollywood star Reynolds also weighed in as he posted a mocked up picture of the former Wales captain wearing a Wrexham shirt with the caption "What if…".
Then, while being presented with an award at the UK Sport Industry Awards, Bale was quizzed about potentially joining Wrexham by presenter Woods. "Is there any way anything can tempt you out of retirement? For example... Wrexham," she asked.
However, Bale replied: "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 and 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."
And after Woods shared their exchange on Twitter, she joked: "Sorry Wrexham, I tried!" Wrexham did, of course, manage to tempt former England goalkeeper Ben Foster out of retirement last month.
Foster was drafted in after the club's first choice goalkeeper Rob Lainton suffered an injury and he helped Wrexham secure promotion. And the 40-year-old has teased he could remain with the club for another season.
