'It would be amazing' - Gareth Bale breaks silence on stunning bid to follow in Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's footsteps and buy stake in Cardiff City

Bale, who has retired from professional football, is leading a consortium that plans to buy Cardiff City. While an initial approach has been rejected, the former Real Madrid and Tottenham star is expected to maintain a keen interest in purchasing the Welsh club, with contact having already been made with owner Vincent Tan through a letter of intent.

Cardiff were relegated from the Championship in 2024-25 and are preparing to compete in the third tier of English football for the first time since 2003. A successful purchase by Bale could have a great impact on the club, both in financial terms and in the publicity it would generate.

Speaking to reporters at the premiere of F1: The Movie, the 35-year-old said: "We are interested in getting Cardiff. It's my home (town) club, it's where I grew up and my uncle used to play for them. To be involved with an ownership group would be a dream come true.

"It's a club close to my heart. It's where I grew up and I would love to be able to be a part of growing Cardiff and taking it to the Premier League where it belongs. I know how amazing the Welsh fans and Cardiff fans are. It would be amazing to try and do something together. We are trying to engage with Cardiff and more news will come out on that in the future but hopefully we can get something done."

Fans will be eager to see if Bale returns to English football with his investment in Cardiff City. The Wales international will aim to bring back his local club's glory days if a deal is agreed.