GARETH Bale is back in Cardiff this week as Wales begin their World Cup 2018 qualifying campaign and he’s dreaming of ending his season in his home city next June.

Wales take on Moldova at the Cardiff City Stadium on Monday night aiming to keep the feel-good factor going following their remarkable run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 in France.

Bale is hoping to lead Wales to Russia in 2018 but next summer he wants to back in the capital with Real Madrid for the 2017 Champions League final at the Principality Stadium.

Madrid are defending champions and Bale is aiming to lift the trophy for a third time in four years, with the chance to do it in his home town an extra incentive.

Speaking at a gala dinner on Wednesday to launch the year of the Cardiff final, Bale said: “We know the final is in Cardiff and it would be amazing to get there.

“We know we have a chance to make history now again and we will be trying our best to do that.

"I suppose there's a little more motivation if there needs to be any more to make history in Cardiff.

"I played the [2014 European] Super Cup in Cardiff before and it was an amazing experience to have my friends and family close by.”

South Wales Argus:

Bale believes the showpiece occasion coming to Wales is a big boost for the game in this country.

"Welsh football is growing on every level, whether it's us as a team or as a country hosting big events," he said.

“We want to keep growing the game as much as we can on the field and off. The game is going in the right direction.

"It's exciting times for us all and we all look forward to it.”