WALES star Gareth Bale will RETIRE after Euro 2020, according to reports in Spain.
The forward wants to negotiate a payout with Real Madrid for the last year of his contract and call time on his illustrious playing career at 32, it’s claimed.
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According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Bale will look to negotiate a £19million deal with Real.
The 31-year-old, who celebrates his birthday next month, is said to only find joy in playing for Wales after a tricky couple of years in club football.
He managed just 16 LaLiga appearances for Real during the 2019-20 campaign as he fell out of favour with manager Zinedine Zidane.
The Welshman had been hoping to rejuvenate his career on loan at former side Tottenham this term – but featured in only 20 Premier League games.
Bale has achieved more than most in the professional game – winning four Champions League titles – and his existing £650,000-a-week contract expires next summer.
The fresh rumours come a month after reports about the ex-Southampton star wanting to quit football at the end of his Real deal emerged.
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Bale may still see a future in the game as his former manager Carlo Ancelotti has been reappointed at the Bernabeu.
The winger flourished under the Italian boss between 2013 and 2015, putting in outstanding performances in the 2014 Champions League and Spanish Cup finals.
Ancelotti is a huge fan of Bale and could be key to keeping his desire to play alive.
The returning Real boss told the press at his unveiling: “I have a lot of love still for Gareth Bale, Isco, Marcelo… They will have motivation to show they can still play for Real Madrid.
“Eden Hazard? He’s a top player, he’ll show his skills. Hazard and Bale can be so important for us.”
Bale himself has declined to make any assurances he will continue playing beyond this summer.
And when asked if Ancelotti’s second stint at the Bernabeu will affect his future plans, Bale said: “No, I am not thinking about anything until after the Euros.
“I know Carlo Ancelotti, he’s a great manager and I get on with him really well.
“We had some great times in the past.
“But I haven’t spoken to anyone.
“I’m not thinking about my future.
“As soon as the Euros finishes I’m sure I will have a conversation and then I will go from there.
“I am not thinking about anything until after the Euros.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
