Gareth Bale: Wales forward calls on governing bodies to protect player welfare

Bale wants football's governing bodies to pay more attention to the welfare of players.

If the football calendar continues, there will be consequences.

Bale said he wants to play regular club football next season to prepare for the World Cup.

There is no product without the players.

People's bodies won't be able to deal with that kind of calendar year after year.

The people at the top of the game have to do something but money comes into it.

For player welfare the money needs to be overlooked, even though it's a business.

Wales play Belgium in the Nations League on Saturday and then travel to play the Netherlands next Tuesday.

Kevin de Bruyne was not a fan of the scheduling of international games so soon after the end of the club season.

Bale wants the number of games to be reduced.

He said someone mentioned to him that Kevin de Bruyne could play 78 games next season after just three weeks of rest.

Every player will tell you there are too many games.

It is not possible to play at a high level for that many games.

There is a lot of speculation regarding Bale's future at the club.

The forward is looking for regular game time in order to be in top shape for the World Cup.

"I just need to play games and I'll be okay to go in Qatar," Bale said.

My body will get more robust once I get back into playing football.

When you're in and out of a team, it's hard to get a rhythm in your health and fitness.

"Wherever I go it will be a win-win because I'll be playing and hopefully playing well while getting ready for the World Cup"

No question Page 'the long-term manager'

Wales players and fans will talk about their qualification for the World Cup.

The relationship the players have with their boss Robert Page and his backroom staff is crucial to their success, according to Bale.

Ryan Giggs was arrested on suspicion of assault on his girlfriend and Page took over as interim manager.

Wales qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 64 years after Page took charge of the national team.

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Bale thinks he's the long-term manager. There is no question in the changing room or from the fans.

He came in in difficult circumstances and did an amazing job.

Everyone has a great relationship with him, but when we need to work hard, it's a great balance."

The backroom staff with Alan Knill and Kit Symons have been amazing.