Wrexham insist on Bale: "I was serious"

Rob McElhenney, Hollywood actor and Wrexham owner, said the offer to Gareth Bale to join his English Fourth Division side is "serious", but understands the Welshman is happy in retirement.

The 33-year-old Bale announced his decision to retire earlier this year after several months with Los Angeles FC and after playing at the World Cup in Qatar with his national team.

However, actors Ryan Reinolds and McElhenney, who took ownership of Wrexham in November 2020 and have promoted the team to League Two, offered to bring Bale out of retirement "for one last magical season".

Bale turned down the offer and said he is happy with his wife and children, "spending a lot of the time" he lost when he was committed to football.

In an interview with 'S4C broadcast', McElhenney was asked if the offer was serious and he said yes.

"On our side it was serious, but I don't think it was on his side. He's happy and I'm happy for him because he's doing what he wants with his life. He's put a lot of things aside for this sport," the actor said.