Gareth Bale contract clause could throw spanner in LAFC return after World Cup

Gareth Bale could decide against returning to LAFC and instead exercise a break clause that was included in his deal in the wake of Wales' nightmare World Cup campaign.

The 33-year-old penned a lucrative 18 month deal with the MLS Cup winners back in the summer in a bid to stay fresh for the tournament in Qatar, but he struggled for regular minutes. There had been speculation that Bale would consider all his options, including retirement, after the World Cup.

Wales were eliminated following a thumping 3-0 defeat against England on Monday night. Bale netted from the spot in Wales' opening draw with the USMNT, but was withdrawn at half-time of the England match after struggling with an injury and failed to make an impact in the shock 2-0 defeat to Iran.

Although Wales boss Rob Page downplayed talk that Bale could retire after the England game, it is believed the former Tottenham and Real Madrid star will mull over his options in the coming weeks.

According to The Sun, there is a break clause in his contract that would allow Bale to leave LAFC - if all parties agree - which must be exercised by the end of February. And given that Bale was not a regular starter in the weeks leading up to the World Cup, there is a chance he could seek a move elsewhere.

Bale also appeared to quash talk that he could hang up his boots in the wake of Wales' disappointing campaign in Qatar. The Dragons qualified for their first World Cup since 1958 but finished bottom of Group B after amassing just a solitary point.

Join the debate! What do you think Bale will decide to do now the World Cup is over? Let us know here.

Bale, who played a crucial role in ensuring Wales qualified for the tournament, admitted that his nation had endured a "difficult" time in Qatar. But he insisted that they would pick themselves up and go again in the New Year when the qualification campaign for Euro 2024 begins in earnest.

"Just because we have had a difficult tournament, it doesn't mean it's an end of an era," the veteran forward said. "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."

And he then dropped the biggest hint yet over his future plans when he was asked whether or not he intends to be a part of that qualification campaign, adding: "I'll keep going as long as I can and as long as I'm wanted."

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