Bale has LAFC break clause as Wales ace mulls over future after World Cup

GARETH BALE must decide by the end of February whether he will return to LAFC for the new season in the US.

And that could give a big clue over whether he intends to make himself available to Wales for the Euro 2024 qualifiers which start the following month.

The 33-year-old signed an 18-month deal with the MLS Cup winners in the summer and is due back to start preparing for the 2023 campaign in the New Year.

Senior figures at LA are expecting him to return but it is understood there is a break in his contract at this point – if all parties agree.

Bale’s time in the US was mixed as he struggled to get much game time but then did score the dramatic stoppage-time equaliser in the final which paved the way for them to lift the trophy.

However, the major reason for his move to California was to get himself in prime shape for the World Cup.

And his performances over the three games for the Dragons proved his plan did not work as he looked desperately short of match fitness.

Bale’s immediate priority will be to get fit after a hamstring injury ended his tournament at half-time of the 3-0 defeat to England.

He indicated after the game he wants to continue playing for his country and that the 111th cap will not be his last.

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However, some of his team-mates are in the dark over whether Bale and some of the other thirty-somethings will be back in March.

Aaron Ramsey, Joe Allen, Wayne Hennessey and Chris Gunter all have decisions to make over whether they will carry on or call it a day.

The Burnley full-back was asked if he expects them to see them at an international camp again and said: “I am not sure. You would have to ask them.

“I know there are also a lot of players the right side of 30 and there’s a lot of talent in this squad.

“Things move quickly and we move into March. We’ve got a lot of young players who can learn from this experience and hopefully take it forward.

“The next achievement will be to not only get to a World Cup, but to get out of the group stages.”

Cardiff’s Ruben Colwill hopes this is not the end for them and added; “The older players are an important part of the squad.

“This whole trip they have been great with everyone – that experience they have is vital for us all.”