Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney has continued his tongue in cheek plea to lure Gareth Bale out of retirement.

The Welsh Dragons are preparing for life in League One following back-to-back promotions under former Wanderers boss Phil Parkinson.

Bale announced his retirement last year following a glittering career with the likes of Real Madrid and Tottenham.

McElhenney, who took over Wrexham in 2021 along with fellow actor Ryan Reynolds, says the “offer is still on the table” to bring the Welshman to the Racecourse.

He told The Athletic: "Gareth Bale is still technically available. I made the plea last year and I’m just going to tell Gareth that the offer is still on the table.

"We’ll let him play golf whenever he wants. Just as long he comes training and we’ll figure out how to get him in the team."

Bale started out at Southampton before heading to Tottenham, where his dazzling performances in Europe made his one of the most sought after players on the planet.

He was snapped up by Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2013 and won five Champions League titles during his time at the Bernabeu, scoring a memorable overhead kick against Liverpool in 2018.

Bale is also Wales’ most capped male player and led the side to their first World Cup in 64 years by reaching the Qatar tournament in 2022.

The 34-year-old finished his career in the MLS with Los Angeles before deciding to hang up his boots.

When asked about a potential move to Wrexham last year, his agent Jonathan Barnett told Sky Sports: "I think for him, (retirement) was the right time.

“He's achieved everything he wanted to achieve - he played for Wales at the highest level of the World Cup, which is what he really wanted to do - and I think he knew his body wasn't up to it anymore. He's had a hard time with his body the last few years.”

Wanderers will find out when they face Wrexham when the fixture schedule is confirmed on Wednesday, June 26.