Bale has retired from club and international football, figured I'd stick it here but feel free to move it elsewhere if mods think it's better placed elsewhere. Wales best ever and arguably one of Britain's greatest too given all he achieved in his career. It's a shame that his second Spurs spell was behind closed doors but his first spell was certainly memorable and arguably where he played his best club football. Won the lot at Madrid and turned up in quite a few cup finals including his final one at LAFC in the MLS. Unbelievable career really that should possibly have been even better. Hopefully enjoys his retirement and golf now that he's done. Wales captain Bale retires from football aged 33
I wonder if he'll finally accept he's going bald and get that stupid ****ing hair cut? Very good player, and I love how he didn't give two shits what the Real Madrid fans thought of him.
Got a two-bob nation to a Euros semi Won multiple European Cups and league titles Scored arguably the greatest goal ever seen in a Champions league final Finishes career having led said two-bob nation to first World Cup in sixty odds years. Not bad for a player who, let's be honest, probably was never even that arsed about playing football really.
I thought he'd retired during the World Cup ? Great career & despite the above sarcasm it would have been criminal for him not to get any minutes after a distinguished International career & something Giggs never got to do . I imagine a few golf courses around the globe will be a few quid richer in the next few years .
Bobtastic. Understood - but you left the door open so thought I'd oblige. Bale has been been superb for Wales. It's going to be different without him.
It's a shame injuries eventually took their toll on his later career, had he maintained consistent form he'd be up there with the games best, rather than having gimps online claiming Rooney was better. Stats don't lie though and the weight of his achievements are unmatched in this country. He picked the right time to retire and I'm glad to have witnessed a generational talent, along with the moments of ecstasy he created. Our GOAT.
The thing is, I think he did enjoy playing football when he was at Soton and Spurs. It didn't take long for the Real Madrid toxicity to hit him, impact his performances and seemingly his dedication. It's clearly an absolutely awful place to go for a footballer, but it must be difficult to see that when the big money offer is on the table and you're at your absolute peak, thinking "yeah, it's shit for the unpopular players but no way I'll be one of them".
He loved playing for Wales as well, as passionate playing for us as anyone. He undoubtedly loved the sport, but just didn't bow down to the Madrid media machine which is incredibly toxic. The equivalent of the S*n over here.
End of an era and wonder if Ramsey and Allen will quit international football as well. TBF Bale sort of retired months ago. So many memories to choose from but my favourite is Wales at Euro 2016. A once in a lifetime with Bale at his peak. The greatest Welsh player ever IMO.
Bale is their most capped player, their highest ever goalscorer and part of a Wales team that have qualified for 3 tournaments. As good as Charles likely was, I don't think there's any debate over Bale being Wales best ever.
It's a bit difficult to compare like-for-like across generations. The first time Wales (and England) entered the Euros was in 1964 when Charles was well past his prime. And less teams qualified for the World Cup back in the day, so he mostly played in Home Championship games and friendlies. Still, they both played in 1 World Cup. It was a real shame Charles was injured for our World Cup Quarter-final v. Brazil in '58. We hit the woodwork 3 times that game before Pele nicked a winner. Brazil went on to win it but with "Il Gigante Buono's" firepower on the pitch that day who knows what his legacy might have then been. Charles was really world class in his day in two different positions (Centre Back and Centre Forward), so I reckon can be considered the best "all-round" Welsh and potentially British player. Bale, as mentioned above, is the player who has had the most significant impact for Wales and has stood out in a game that is now much higher standard overall. As an aside, one of my mate's dad told me he remembers seeing Charles lead out the Cardiff team for a game towards the end of his career puffing away on a fag. He then promptly scored a goal from the edge of his own goal area (note: this story may have been embellished a little over time).
Ok I'm probably thinking of this from a draft standpoint, my 1st/2nd pick of an all time draft would be Charles for his versatility
