Gareth Bale provides update on his future following World Cup exit

Gareth Bale has revealed that he has no intention of ending his playing career with Wales – as long as he is still wanted.

Bale suffered World Cup disappointment as a hamstring injury forced him off at half time in their final group game against England.

A 3-0 defeat to the Three Lions meant Wales first World Cup since 1958 didn’t go any further than the group stage, but Bale has confirmed he plans to extend his international career.

Asked if he will be part of Wales’ Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, Bale told BBC Sport: “I’ll keep going as long as I can and as long as I’m wanted. It’s a difficult moment now but we go again.”

Wales were not able to win a game in Qatar, with their opening draw with the USA followed up by defeats to Iran and England.

While Bale is proud to have guided Wales to a World Cup, he admitted they expected more of themselves in Qatar.

“Everyone’s disappointed but we’re all proud of what we’ve achieved to get here,” he said. “We have to look how far we’ve come. Of course we wanted to get out of the group, but football’s difficult. We didn’t live up to our expectations at this tournament.

“If you’d told us two years ago that we would play in a World Cup, we’d have all pinched ourselves. We’ll all walk out of that changing-room with our held high and proud of each other.

“It’s been difficult at this tournament, we haven’t played very well. But we’ve given everything and we won’t have any regrets.”