08 May 2023 , 20:18
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Rob McElhenney has once again urged "young" Gareth Bale to reconsider his retirement and join Wrexham on a one-year deal.
Bale, 33, retired from professional football in January after a glittering career. Yet McElhenney and Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds are determined to sign the former Wales captain after winning the National League title and promotion to League Two.
Bale has rubbished the idea of playing for Wrexham, but the Welsh club have a reputation of luring former internationals out of retirement after signing Ben Foster in March. McElhenney is hoping Bale's love for Wales will be enough for him to complete a U-turn.
McElhenney was asked about the possibility of signing Bale on the The Aarthi and Sriram Show. He replied: "Gareth, okay listen, it's just me and you talking for a second.
"I know that Southern California is beautiful and I know, 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!
Ryan Reynolds mispronounces name of new Wrexham signing in hilarious video
"If you could just come back for one last year of glory, one last year. I believe your nation, the nation of Wales... do the right thing. Call me."
Bale retired from professional football in January (Getty Images)Do you think Gareth Bale will come out of retirement to play for Wrexham? Let us know in the comments below!
Signing Bale would be a massive coup for Wrexham. The former Tottenham and Real Madrid winger is a five-time Champions League winner and Wales' record scorer with 41 senior goals. He also inspired his country to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 against all odds.
Bale, who turns 34 in July and struggled to play consistently during the last few years of his career, was asked about the possibility of joining Wrexham at the Sports Industry awards in London last month. The Welshman replied: "No, I don’t think so.
"I was more looking 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 and my wife, time that I've lost so much of over the years being committed to football."
Speculation linking Bale with Wrexham grew after he congratulated the Welsh side on their promotion. In a social media video, Bale said: "Hi Rob, just want to congratulate you on your promotion and everything you’re doing at Wrexham."
Many fans believe McElhenney's attempt to sign Bale is just a joke, but the actor is serious. He told S4C earlier this month: "I think there’s seriousness from our side, but I don’t know that there’s seriousness from his. I think he’s happy."
Reynolds added: "I’m also weirdly happy for him to do exactly what he wants to do with his life... He’s given up so much for a sport that he loves. It’s fun, though. I like that we can kind of do some stuff that’s a little outside the box of convention when it comes to goofing around."