Gareth Bale breaks his silence on bid to buy League One club as former Real Madrid star admits ownership would 'be a dream come true'

Gareth Bale has confirmed that he is trying to buy Cardiff City with the ultimate aim of propelling the club into the Premier League. 

The Wales legend spoke publicly for the first time about his bid to take over the League One club — as part of a consortium — at the European premiere of F1: The Movie in London on Monday. 

Bale, 35, retired from football two years ago after a stellar career in which he won five Champions Leagues with Real Madrid and 111 caps for his country. 

Last week, his consortium tabled an offer directly to Cardiff owner Vincent Tan. 

That initial offer was rejected but Bale has not given up hope of owning his hometown club.

'We are interested in getting Cardiff,' Bale said.

'It's my home club, it's where I grew up and my uncle [Chris Pike] 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's interest in Cardiff comes just two months after his former Real Madrid and Tottenham team-mate Luka Modric was announced as a co-owner of Welsh rivals Swansea.

Bale himself had previously been linked with a potential investment in Plymouth Argyle but that now appears to have been ruled out.

Cardiff, who were last season relegated to League One for the first time since 2003, have just appointed Brian Barry-Murphy as their new head coach.