Wrexham owner Rob McElheney has once again urged Gareth Bale to sensationally come out of retirement and play for the Welsh club in League Two next season.
After 15 years outside the football league, Wrexham secured the National League title with 111 points - four ahead of rivals Notts County - to clinch promotion to League Two. Both McElhenney and co-owner Ryan Reynolds were in attendance as an emotional 3-1 victory over Boreham Wood at the Racecourse secured promotion back to the Football League.
Reynolds and McElhenney rewarded the triumphant players with an all-expenses paid trip to Las Vegas, highlighting the strong bond they have with the dressing room. While the players celebrate, manager Phil Parkinson is looking to shape his squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
Perhaps the biggest name linked with a move to Wrexham is Wales legend Bale. The former Tottenham and Real Madrid superstar is a five-time UEFA Champions League winner and would certainly signal the biggest coup for the ambitious celebrity-backed project Wrexham.
The lure of playing for Wrexham has seen players move down leagues like Paul Mullin or ex Premier League goalkeeper Ben Foster come out of retirement. While the signing of Foster received plenty of coverage, a move for Bale - who retired months ago - would be a truly blockbuster and ground-breaking acquisition.
Reynolds, McElhenney and Bale have all addressed speculation of a dramatic retirement u-turn for the Welsh legend, who has played down the chances of a move. McElhenney appears to be refusing to take no for an answer though.
“Gareth, okay – just you and me talking here for a second,” McElhenney said on ’ The Aarthi & Sriram Show ’. “I know 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 for one last year of glory – one last year – I believe your nation, the nation of Wales, is counting on you to do the right thing. Call me.”
Bale called time on his illustrious career after winning the MLS Cup with LAFC and appearing for Wales at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. When asked about joining Wrexham at the UK Sport Industry Awards 2023, Bale insisted the move will not happen, adding: “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, 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.”
