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Wales forward Gareth Bale will not rush into a decision on his club future, but has categorically ruled out a move to LaLiga side Getafe.
Bale will become a free agent at the end of the month when his contract with Real Madrid, where he has spent the past nine years, officially expires.
The 32-year-old has been linked with an array of clubs across Europe and in the United States, one of those being Madrid-based Getafe.
Speaking earlier this week, Getafe president Angel Torres claimed the Spanish side had been contacted by Bale’s representatives regarding a possible transfer.
However, Bale denied that was the case when speaking at a news conference that was again dominated by questions regarding his next career move.
Asked if he was close to making a decision, the former Tottenham man laughed and said: “No. But I’m not going to Getafe, that’s for sure.
“I just want to be playing going into the World Cup to be as fit as I can. The manager saying ideally he wants everybody to be playing, and everybody wants to be playing.
“Hopefully I can enjoy my holiday and then decide where I want to be and what I want to do to try and play games to be as fit as I can for the World Cup.”
Bale won 16 trophies during his time with Madrid, but he barely played in the 2021-22 campaign, which ended with Los Blancos winning a LaLiga and Champions League double.
He featured in seven of Madrid’s 56 matches in all competitions – 13 per cent – with just four of those being starts.
“Once I get back into playing regular football, my body will get more robust and a bit better,” Bale said on Friday.
“It’s very difficult when you’re in and out of a team to get a rhythm in terms of your fitness and health.
“Any player will tell you, playing week-in week-out, your body becomes more robust, you get used to it and you get fitter. I just need to play games and I’ll be good to go.
“I guess whoever I go to it’ll be a win-win because hopefully I’ll be playing well and getting myself ready.
“Once these internationals are over, I’ll have plenty of time to go on holiday and decide my future then.”
Bale inspired Wales to their first World Cup since 1958 with victory over Ukraine in last Sunday’s play-off qualifying final, ending any talk of an early retirement.
That 64-year gap is the biggest between qualifications for a World Cup tournament of any nation in history, though there is uncertainty over who will be in charge of Wales in Qatar.
Rob Page has been in caretaker charge since Ryan Giggs stepped aside following his arrest on assault charges in November 2020, allegations which he denies.
Giggs’ trial is due to be held in August, but Bale believes Page deserves to remain in the post.
“I think he is the long-term manager,” Bale said. “I don’t think there is any question in the changing room or from the fans.
“He’s done an incredible job coming in in difficult circumstances. Everyone with him has a great relationship.
“We have that good mixture where we can have a bit of fun but, when we need to work, we work hard. We do it correctly. There’s a great balance. He’s been great for us.”
