GARETH BALE has confirmed he wants to buy Cardiff – and take his hometown club back to the Premier League.
The Wales legend is leading a consortium interested in taking over the League One side and opened up about his plans at the premiere of F1: The Movie.
Bale, who retired from football two years ago after a spell with Los Angeles FC, saw an initial bid rejected by Bluebirds owner Vincent Tan.
But Bale is still dreaming a takeover can be successful.
He said on the red carpet: “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.”
Bale, who had a glittering at Tottenham and Real Madrid, had been linked with a takeover at Plymouth Argyle.
He led Wales to their first World Cup since 1958 as well as appearing at two Euros finals, including the incredible run to the 2016 semi-finals.
Bale is also his nation’s most-capped player on 111 caps and record goalscorer after netting 41 times.
Bale’s interest in investing in Cardiff comes just weeks after ex-Spurs and Real team-mate Luka Modric became a co-owner of south Wales rivals Swansea.
Cardiff appointed Brian Barry-Murphy recently ahead of their first campaign in the third tier since 2003.
After Omer Riza was sacked in April, Wales star Aaron Ramsey was interim boss for three games but Bale’s close pal is set for a move to continue his playing career in Mexico.
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