WALES hero Gareth Bale is delaying retirement thoughts as the ‘greatest result in Welsh football history’ sent the Dragons to the World Cup.
Skipper Bale’s deflected free-kick sunk Ukraine 1-0 in the play-off as Wales made the finals for the first time since 1958 and the second occasion ever.
Gareth Bale says reaching a World Cup has been his aim since his Wales debut Credit: Getty The ex-Spurs winger, 32, exits Real Madrid when his contract ends in July.
Championship side Cardiff City or the MLS are possible destinations.
But having won the Champions League five times with Real, Bale revealed Wales’ triumph at Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday fulfilled his biggest remaining dream in football.
Sixteen years and 103 caps after his international debut, he told Sky Sports: “The result is the greatest in Welsh football history.
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As Bale leads Wales to World Cup, where does his club future lie after summer? “We’re going to a World Cup! It means everything, what dreams are made of,
“We’ve been working towards it since I first came in here.
“Words can’t describe how we feel at the moment.”
Bale had already made it clear he was unlikely to quit playing this summer.
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And asked if Wales making it to Qatar this winter has further extended his career, he responded: “Maybe for a little bit!”
Another long-running Wales superstar with an uncertain club future was equally ecstatic with victory.
Juventus’ former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey, 31, who has been on loan at Rangers, told Sky Sports: “It’s unbelievable.
“Little old Wales in a World Cup! To get to three major tournaments, and top it off with a World Cup is something else.”
And defender Ethan Ampadu – on loan at Venezia from Chelsea – admitted Wales hd to come through ‘maybe the worst second half that we’ve had’.
He told BBC Radio Wales: “We’re going to the World Cup, that’s all that matters.
“We are going to enjoy the time with the fans now and enjoy getting there.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
