World Cup: Forget about retirement hints, LA Galaxy star Bale tells fans

Gareth Bale said he will continue playing for Wales for “as long as I’m wanted” after defeat by England sealed their World Cup elimination.

A 3-0 loss at Doha’s Ahmad bin Ali Stadium means Wales end a disappointing World Cup campaign bottom of Group B.

But Bale vowed to return for international duty when Wales begin Euro 2024 qualifying in March.

“Just because we have had a difficult tournament, it doesn’t mean it’s an end of an era,” said the 33-year-old.

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“It’s a difficult moment now, obviously – but we go again. We have a qualifying campaign starting in March.

“We have a few months to get away from international football which is disappointing, we would love to have stayed [at the World Cup] longer, but we go again in March.”

“I’ll keep going as long as I can and as long as I’m wanted.”

There had previously been speculation that former Real Madrid and Tottenham forward Bale would retire after this World Cup, Wales’ first since 1958.