Gareth Bale: Why did the former Wales and Real Madrid star want to go from icon to investor?

A future that, he says, has always intrigued him – perhaps not unlike that of David Beckham.

Like Bale, the English icon was a footballing figurehead in his country and co-owner of MLS franchise Inter Miami as part of various business interests, before he could have chosen his post-playing job.

Did that route have an effect?

“I think so, a lot of American athletes do this kind of thing and I read about it and listen to interviews about what they’ve done,” said Bale, whose old Real Madrid team-mate Luka Modric has become a minority investor in Swansea City.

“Many players still go down the coaching route, management or even with young players in the academy.

“But you’re seeing a bit more of a business mentality from more players. Because we’ve done so much on one side, this side has become a new chapter, a new world.

“It’s always really interested me, but I never really had the chance before I met John.”

One person who could help John Bell make it like Beckham is veteran US investor John Shulman, founder of private equity firm Juggernaut Capital.

The company reportedly has $1 billion in committed capital and has already invested in a variety of sports businesses – from golf courses and volleyball to “thrill” sports – but sensed an opportunity, particularly when it came to Europe and the UK.

Shulman said he wanted to bring in “an elite, iconic athlete” to help launch a sports-specific investment platform – Juggernaut Diversified Sports – set to invest more than £500m.

And after an introduction — and, naturally, a round of golf — one was found.

“There are very few people in the world who have done what Gareth has done,” Shulman said.

“We are good investors, but what we lacked was the mentality, experience, drive and unique perch Gareth.

“I mean, the guy’s got it all. What he can do on the pitch, I’ve seen him do metaphorically in the boardroom. So I’m nothing but excited about (our plan), doing it at the right time and the right place and the right way.”