Tottenham legend Gareth Bale is set for his first return to the pitch since retirement

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Tottenham Hotspur legend Gareth Bale is set for a return to the football pitch two years after hanging up his boots.

We reported a few months ago that Tottenham legend Gareth Bale was looking to step back into football by acquiring his hometown club, Cardiff City.

Those discussions remain ongoing, but in the meantime, Bale is preparing for a much more immediate return to the game, as he looks set to feature in an exhibition clash that will put him back on the pitch for the first time since his retirement.

The Welshman, 36, enjoyed a glittering career with Tottenham and Real Madrid, but chose to call it a day in January 2023 after leading his nation to their first World Cup in 64 years, ending his playing career on a high.

Gareth Bale to play in Icons Match in Seoul

According to Football.London, it is now understood that Gareth Bale is set for a return to football just two years after hanging up his boots.

The former Tottenham man is set to line up for FC Spear when they take on Shield United at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on 13 September.

Gareth Bale, regarded as one of the most exciting signings of the Daniel Levy era, will be part of a glittering line-up that includes Ronaldinho, Thierry Henry, Wayne Rooney and Kaka.

Bale’s side will be facing Shield United, a team packed with defensive legends, with the likes of Alessandro Nesta, Carles Puyol, Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand all set to feature against him.

The Welshman’s involvement in football this season is expected to continue, as Bale is set to feature as a Champions League pundit for TNT Sports, following Spurs’ return to the competition after a two-year absence.

Bale reunited with rivals under Arsene Wenger

There is one catch for Spurs fans, though, as Bale will have to play under the guidance of Arsene Wenger, who has been named manager of FC Spear.

On the other side of the dugout, Rafa Benitez will lead Shield United, the same side that ran out 4-1 winners in last year’s Icons Match.

Here are the squads for each side:

FC Spear full squad:

Bum Young Lee, Gianluigi Buffon, Ja Cheol Koo, Ki Hyon Seol, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Clarence Seedorf, Eden Hazard, Franck Ribery, Wayne Rooney, Gareth Bale, Kaka, Steven Gerrard, Ronaldinho, Thierry Henry, Ji Sung Park, Didier Drogba

Coach: Arsene Wenger

Shield United full squad:

Young Kwang Kim, Iker Casillas, Alessandro Nesta, Michael Carrick, Claudio Marchisio, Gilberto Silva, Joo Ho Park, Sol Campbell, Claude Makelele, Ashley Cole, Maicon, John Arne Riise, Nemanja Vidic, Carles Puyol, Young Pyo Lee, Rio Ferdinand

Coach: Rafa Benitez

How to watch FC Spear vs FC Shield

Tickets for the match have already sold out, but fans around the world will still be able to tune in online, with the clash streamed via FC Mobile’s in-game broadcast channel.

Both FC Mobile and FC Online will also feature special in-game events connected to the Icons Match, ensuring global supporters can enjoy every moment of Bale’s long-awaited return.