Pep Guardiola set to issue Gareth Bale golf invite after retirement

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola confirmed that he will invite Gareth Bale to play golf with him, after the Tottenham and Real Madrid icon announced his retirement from the sport on Monday. The legendary Wales forward announced he would be quitting football in a lengthy social media post, and now has more time to enjoy his passions outside of the professional game after a successful career that saw him with the Champions League on five occasions.

Guardiola admitted in his press conference that he had been turned down after asking Bale to play golf with him previously, but will extend another invitation to the former Real Madrid man. He said: “Playing golf with Gareth Bale ? He was busy, maybe now he has time. I will invite him again.”

Speaking ahead of his side’s Carabao Cup quarter-final tie with Southampton on Wednesday, Guardiola admitted that Bale was always out of his price range, but now the avid golfer can work on the second sport he has a passion for.

“Too expensive,” Guardiola responded when asked if he ever tried to sign Bale. “What a player. Fantastic career, won a lot of things. I think he represents Wales with more than 100 caps and now he can become a fantastic golf player.”

Bale announced his retirement on Monday, having led his country to their first World Cup since 1958 and released an emotional and lengthy statement. “The highest of highs over 17 seasons, that will be impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter has in store for me,” the 33-year-old wrote on social media.

“From my very first touch at Southampton to my last with LAFC and everything in between, shaped a club career that I have an immense pride and gratitude for. Playing for and captaining my country 111 times has truly been a dream come true.”

We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.

For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football

Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.

We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.