Gareth Bale has dismissed talk of his international retirement, with the attacker planning to compete in Wales’ qualification campaign for Euro 2024.
The 33-year-old played the full 90 minutes against the USA and Iran in his country’s opening two World Cup games, scoring from the penalty spot in the draw with the former on November 21.
Bale also started against England on Tuesday, but he was replaced at halftime due to a hamstring injury, and Wales went on to lose 3-0 to the Three Lions to exit the competition.
Will Bale Retire After The World Cup?
There were reports that the Los Angeles FC forward was considering retiring from international football after the tournament in Qatar.
However, Bale has stated that he will continue ‘as long as he is wanted,’ with the striker hoping to add to his 111 caps and 40 goals for the national team.
“I’ll keep going as long as I can and as long as I’m wanted,” he told BBC Sport after the defeat to England. “”It’s a difficult moment now. But we go again.
“We have a qualifying campaign [for the European Championship] starting in March and we have a few months to get away from international football now, which is obviously disappointing.”
When asked if he would play in Wales’ qualification campaign for Euro 2024, Bale responded: “I hope so, yes.”
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In their quest to qualify for the next European Championship, the Dragons will play Croatia, Armenia, Latvia, and Turkey.
Bale said that “everyone is disappointed” with Wales’ group-stage defeat, but the attacker stressed the significance of looking at the bigger picture, with Wales appearing in their first World Cup since 1958.
Bale left Real Madrid at the end of June to join Los Angeles FC, where he has scored three goals in 14 matches.
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