Gareth Bale says Euro 2016 just the start for Wales' developing side
Thursday 7 July 2016 12:45, UK
Gareth Bale says Wales' "amazing journey" to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 will lead them on to an era of success.
Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani in Lyon ended Wales' dream of winning the trophy and left Portugal to face a final against France or Germany.
But manager Chris Coleman afterwards insisted his players had "done their country proud", and there was no argument from the thousands of supporters who applauded them off the pitch at the end.
And with Wales' opening World Cup qualifier against Moldova less than two months away Bale has told those fans it will not be another 58 years before they are back at a major tournament finals.
"We can be a better side from it," the world's most expensive player said. "We've grown in confidence, we've grown in stature and I think we'll be more respected.
"We said all along we didn't just want to qualify for this tournament, we want to qualify every time. The hunger is there, the spirit is there and we'll take all the positives from this and go into the next campaign trying to do it again.
"We always wanted to test ourselves against the best and I think we've done everybody proud - including ourselves. We can hold our heads high and give it a right go again.
"Our hunger is there more than ever to get back. It hurts now but we've enjoyed it and we feel there's still a lot more to come.
"There's more improvements from us and come the World Cup qualifiers - which are not too far away - we'll get back to working hard and doing what we do best.
"It hurts now because it's fresh but we've been on an amazing journey. The whole nation has enjoyed the journey as much as us and it's been amazing, incredible.
"Fans, staff, everyone. It's been one of those moments in your life we'll never forget and it's very special to all of us."
Captain Ashley Williams echoed Bale's words, saying; "This isn't the end. It's the start of something massive."
