Apologies if already posted.
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/...-bale-24330458
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Apologies if already posted.
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/...-bale-24330458
"We were very very keen, he would have been a big coup for us," Tan told talkSPORT. "It would have been great for Gareth Bale to play for his hometown, all the Welsh would be very happy if Gareth Bale returned home and played for Cardiff.
"Personally, I think LAFC's offer was too attractive for him to turn down. But originally he really wanted to come, the money wasn't the matter. We came up with what we thought was a good offer to him, but finally it was very hard to compete when there is a lot of big American advertisers, a lot of commercial deals which were very good for Gareth Bale.
"We tried our best but we failed."
He added: "Initially with Gareth, it wasn't really the money, he just wanted to help Cardiff and help Wales. That's why we could negotiate with him. He tried his best to join us but eventually I think the offer from LAFC was just too big to turn down."
While clearly it was a transfer which Tan, who once owned 40 percent of LAFC before selling his stake to American investors, was tracking extremely closely and was personally invested in, he appears to accept Bale's decision to move to LA.
He has firmly left the door ajar for Bale to sign for his hometown club in the future, though, and hopes that once his business is done with LAFC that he considers the Bluebirds for his next move.
"His contract is for 12 months, lets see what happens," Tan added. "Maybe Gareth, by then, will probably want to come back and come home and serve his country, serve Cardiff, his hometown. He has never played in Cardiff, he and his family are fans of the club.
"So, hopefully, in 12 months' time, he is still young, he will only be 34, some players come back and play until they are 40 years old. So he has still got a few years he can play and hopefully he will come and play for Cardiff after this (contract with LAFC finishes)."
Good interview imo. Wish he’d communicate more but can’t fault anything he’s said here. Interesting to see we’d still be keen on Bale in 12 months time.
Can’t argue with that transparency. More of that would be welcomed
Classy response by Tan, and he is right Bale is not that old. If he can overcome his injuries get match fitness back and adapt his game there is no reason he can have a career for many years yet, especially if he gets his passion for football back away from the ball and chain of Madrid.
If I had the chance to take my family to California and enjoy the experiences that has to offer, life is too short to turn that down.
Zlatan came back from Galaxy and ripped up Seria A again.
no doubt some people will find a way toQuote:
Originally Posted by Canton Kev
Well lets be honest they will probably be a club prepared to pay more than us in 12 months time so thats the end of that, we may get him 45?Quote:
Originally Posted by Canton Kev
It was never about the money until it became about the money.
As for Tan, why can’t he be that positive and diplomatic all the time?
Might be reading too much into it but feels like it's being set up for him to end up here next summer for a year ahead of the euros. Not the worst idea if it gives him a year of living the life in LA and for Cardiff to get a competent Championship side ready for him to make a difference too.
Exactly this ^^^Quote:
Originally Posted by UNDERHILL1927
I think you're reading too much into it.Quote:
Originally Posted by SunderlandBluebird
Wishful thinking.
After 12 months he will either retire or the 18 month extension in sunny California will be triggered.
No cheesy fingers-heart gesture for us.
:hehe:Quote:
Originally Posted by jon1959
.....just remember Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Robbie Fowler. F*ck it, I'm even throwing Kenwyn Jones in there. There's still a chance!
Nice heart shape just over his Adidas logo would look wrong with New Balance logo ?Quote:
Originally Posted by jon1959
Thats not LA in the background
https://www.eurosport.com/football/t...68/story.shtml
There are international windows in March and June after the World Cup. Perhaps Bale will get fed up of the 12-hour flights back and forth.Quote:
Originally Posted by jon1959
Impressed with what Tan said.
Why he keeps such a low profile I do not know.
Trust him more than Dalman.
I thought i'd read his agent was talking to LA while he was walking off the pitch against Ukraine?
Why bother waste our clubs time at all?
I think you're reading too much into it.Quote:
Originally Posted by SunderlandBluebird
Club football in LA until October. Then the World Cup followed by a break until the MLS season starts up again in February/March.
I think he'll retire from international football after Qatar and extend his contract in LA until retirement.
I think if he extends his LA contract he will carry on for Wales.
Only I'd he is good enough to be picked lolQuote:
Originally Posted by Hilts
If he enjoys it in LA he will stay there for years.
:thumbup:Quote:
Originally Posted by UNDERHILL1927
VT made a huge mistake with the rebrand but there we go . I wish he would get rid of that silly dragon on our badge mind.
That being said we are starting a new season with what looks like a new squad . So let's get on with it , innit ! 😜