Gareth Bale targets Euro 2024 with Wales; reveals ambition for long LAFC stay

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Gareth Bale targets Euro 2024 with Wales; reveals ambition for long LAFC stay

Gareth Bale has described his move to LAFC as giving him the "best possible chance" of being able to reach another major tournament with Wales in 2024.

Bale played at Euro 2016 with Wales, the country’s first major tournament of any kind in 58 years, and spearheaded qualification for the upcoming 2022 World Cup, their first in 64 years.

Rumours surrounding Bale and early retirement – he turns 33 this month – have been rife for some time amid the possibility he could call time on his career after the winter World Cup.

But the player himself, who signed a deal with LAFC until the end of the 2023 MLS season, has refuted such claims, insisting his intention is to try and play at Euro 2024. On top of that, he hasn’t ruled out a further tournament cycle, perhaps to 2026, by which time he would almost 37.

"Being [at LAFC} gives me the best possible chance to make it to the Euros [in 2024] and, you never know, maybe one more," Bale said as he was officially unveiled to the media by his new team.

"I still have many years to come. I haven't come here just to be here for six or 12 months. I've come here to try and be here as long as possible. I want to do as well as I can, make my mark on this league and this team, and I'm looking forward to the future. It's not just a short thing.

"It gives me the best opportunity to keep going to the next Euros, maybe further."

Aside from his club success, Bale has built a reputation on his passion for his national team, something which often riled up Real Madrid fans and the Spanish media.