Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney has made another cheeky attempt to lure Wales legend Gareth Bale out of retirement, urging him to come back for "one last year of glory".
McElhenney, Ryan Reynolds and Bale have enjoyed some good natured online banter in recent weeks, with the former Real Madrid man kicking things off by sending the Hollywood owners a congratulatory message following their side's promotion to League Two.
McElhenney jumped on the opportunity, asking the former Wales skipper for a round of golf and to join the Wrexham revolution at the Racecourse. Reynolds joined in the fun, before Bale seemingly put talk of a playing return to bed when he was quizzed by Laura Woods at an awards ceremony recently.
READ MORE: Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney 'serious' about Gareth Bale Wrexham offer
"No I don't think so," he replied with a smile when asked if Wrexham might possibly tempt him out of retirement. "I was more looking 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 fair bit of time with my kids and my wife. Time I've lost so much of over the years being committed to football.
"So I'm just enjoying family life and playing some golf."
But McElhenney appears to be not taking no for an answer.
Speaking on The Aarthi and Sriram Show, the actor was asked to send a message to Bale, and he duly obliged.
"Gareth, OK listen, it's just me and you talking for a second," he said. "I know that Southern California is beautiful and I know, because I'm from Philadelphia and I've lived here for many, many years but you're a young man and you have the rest of your life to live wherever you want.
"But if you could just come back from one last year of glory, one last year. I believe your nation, the nation of Wales, could do the right thing. Call me."
Despite their tongue-in-cheek requests, McElhenney and Reynolds insist their interest in signing Bale is "serious".
“I think there’s seriousness from our side, but I don’t know that there’s seriousness from his. I think he’s happy,” McElhenney told S4C.
Deadpool star Reynolds added: “I’m also weirdly happy for him to do exactly what he wants to do with his life. He’s given up so much for a sport that he loves. It’s fun, though. I like that we can kind of do some stuff that’s a little outside the box of convention when it comes to goofing around.”
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Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney 'serious' about Gareth Bale Wrexham offer
Gareth Bale put on the spot as he gives Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney his answer
Ryan Reynolds posts picture of Gareth Bale in a Wrexham shirt and says 'what if'
Rob McElhenney asks Gareth Bale to play golf, come out of retirement and join Wrexham
