Bring back Bale

[DaSpurs]

I think people who believe he should have stayed for longer don't understand football. If I was a footballer and played for Spurs, I'd accept an offer from Madrid even if I was a die-hard fan.

I don't think they truly comprehend the magnitude of the pressure in a situation like that, hell I don't think you or I can even comprehend it, but can only imagine. The offer to play for Real Madrid, the psychological factors they use to convince a player to sign ASAP (such as using past greats to whisper in your ear, having your agent tell you it's now or never, offering ridiculous salaries, pointing to their illustrious trophy case and saying they want you personally to add to it, etc), and the sheer mentality of a footballer to make it at this level requires incredible determination to constantly strive for better. He would never have forgiven himself had he turned that offer down, and his play for us very well may have suffered as a result.

 

[StartingPrice]

I don't think they truly comprehend the magnitude of the pressure in a situation like that, hell I don't think you or I can even comprehend it, but can only imagine. The offer to play for Real Madrid, the psychological factors they use to convince a player to sign ASAP (such as using past greats to whisper in your ear, having your agent tell you it's now or never, offering ridiculous salaries, pointing to their illustrious trophy case and saying they want you personally to add to it, etc), and the sheer mentality of a footballer to make it at this level requires incredible determination to constantly strive for better. He would never have forgiven himself had he turned that offer down, and his play for us very well may have suffered as a result.

I think the two of you are conflating separate things, TBH.

There are plenty of players who delay signing for a bigger club because they want to complete their football education and don't feel ready to move. I said several times in his last season with us, and in the summer he left, that at his age, he could afford to stay for another season - and I believe that I was correct to say that. But I can also see what you are saying and understand that having made the move he must have been under immense pressure - especially as RM (rather helpfully) stated publicly that it was now or never. I can understand an argument made from hindsight, or, more appropriately projected hindsight, but I still feel I was right that he would have benefited from another season at the Lane.

Anyway, on to more practical considerations, I would like to say that I just can't believe the attitude of the RM fans: you only have to watch their matches to see that when he takes up fantastic positions he is ignored, and if he was used more Ronaldo (Greasy not Fat) would give it his petulant shite (he had a air smacking strop 'cos he missed a shot, ignoring the fact that Bale scored the rebound in a game recently - bloody attractions attitude!). I would like to say that, but sadly I find the RM fans attitude all too predictable.

Unfortunately, in spite of my enviable reputations for having an unprecedented level of unrealistic optimism, even I can't see him coming back to the Lane soon. It was nice of him [sic.] to say he didn't want to offend the fans as he might return one day, when he left. But I am sure he was thinking more in terms of when he was on the downward slope of his career, and not almost immediately with his tail between his legs.

For the record, I detest the sychophantic deference shown to Real Madrid - they have been able to behave the way they do (i.e. disgracefully) thanks to government subsidies and a total flouting of normal economic rules. It is about time they were reeled in - and then, maybe, players wouldn't find it quite so irresistible (but I'm kinda an idealist dreamer, like that).

 

[DaSpurs]

I think the two of you are conflating separate things, TBH.

There are plenty of players who delay signing for a bigger club because they want to complete their football education and don't feel ready to move. I said several times in his last season with us, and in the summer he left, that at his age, he could afford to stay for another season - and I believe that I was correct to say that. But I can also see what you are saying and understand that having made the move he must have been under immense pressure - especially as RM (rather helpfully) stated publicly that it was now or never. I can understand an argument made from hindsight, or, more appropriately projected hindsight, but I still feel I was right that he would have benefited from another season at the Lane.

Anyway, on to more practical considerations, I would like to say that I just can't believe the attitude of the RM fans: you only have to watch their matches to see that when he takes up fantastic positions he is ignored, and if he was used more Ronaldo (Greasy not Fat) would give it his petulant shite (he had a air smacking strop 'cos he missed a shot, ignoring the fact that Bale scored the rebound in a game recently - bloody attractions attitude!). I would like to say that, but sadly I find the RM fans attitude all too predictable.

Unfortunately, in spite of my enviable reputations for having an unprecedented level of unrealistic optimism, even I can't see him coming back to the Lane soon. It was nice of him [sic.] to say he didn't want to offend the fans as he might return one day, when he left. But I am sure he was thinking more in terms of when he was on the downward slope of his career, and not almost immediately with his tail between his legs.

For the record, I detest the sychophantic deference shown to Real Madrid - they have been able to behave the way they do (i.e. disgracefully) thanks to government subsidies and a total flouting of normal economic rules. It is about time they were reeled in - and then, maybe, players wouldn't find it quite so irresistible (but I'm kinda an idealist dreamer, like that).

Actually, on purely footballing terms, I absolutely agree with you. I really hoped at the time we could keep him for another year, as I think he could have really solidified his roots and game instead of just having one absolutely standout season and then departing (although I must say, despite the despicable and fickle treatment from Madrid fans, I think he's performed rather well despite the pressure and negative energy; and as a result I've been impressed with his mental solidity).

However, that doesn't necessarily mean I'm conflating anything. The reality is that Madrid pushed the "now or never" tactic out in full force with Bale (remember, Perez' platform for reelection that season was based around bringing them Bale), and regardless of you and I thinking he could have done with more time for his education, and regardless of the fact some players do say no to bigger moves for the sake of their education, he was never going to turn down that opportunity given the circumstances. No one at his level tells Madrid no. No one. Odegaard really should have, but a player of Bale's level and his accomplishments would not have said no given those circumstances. So while I think what you're saying is all true, I don't think I'm conflating anything, but rather pointing to simple reality as well as the events as they occurred.

Agreed though, I don't think he'll be back anytime soon. I would be heartbroken to see him pull on the colors of another Prem team, but I still think that more realistic than him return to his soon. His treatment by the Madrid fans has been utterly appalling less than a year after winning them a CL final, and I thought he played quite well last night in truth. In fact, I would even argue he contributed far more towards the end of the game in attempt for the equalizer than precious Ronaldo did. So I wouldn't be surprised to see him back in England next term, unfortunately. A few months ago, I didn't think so. But after the way he's performed and the reactions he's continuing to receive, I think it possible, especially as Man U have something Madrid want and need.

 

[thebenjamin]

I don't think they truly comprehend the magnitude of the pressure in a situation like that, hell I don't think you or I can even comprehend it, but can only imagine. The offer to play for Real Madrid, the psychological factors they use to convince a player to sign ASAP (such as using past greats to whisper in your ear, having your agent tell you it's now or never, offering ridiculous salaries, pointing to their illustrious trophy case and saying they want you personally to add to it, etc), and the sheer mentality of a footballer to make it at this level requires incredible determination to constantly strive for better. He would never have forgiven himself had he turned that offer down, and his play for us very well may have suffered as a result.

I doubt the €18M a year hurt either

 

[@Bobby__Lucky]

I think people who believe he should have stayed for longer don't understand football. If I was a footballer and played for Spurs, I'd accept an offer from Madrid even if I was a die-hard fan.

I don't begrudge Bale his move one bit, he didn't push for a move early and gave us what 2 years after the first CL campaign and worked hard for the team throughout, he more or less had to go... No issue with him for that...but....

Me personally I would never leave unless we were so shit and lost all ambition.. Even then I would want to drag us where we need to go..

 

[knowlespurs]

Our greatest player of the last 30 years
Would love him back, whatever it costs

 

[Adam456]

Well it is all conjecture and wishful thinking but...the longer he stays there, the more chance that he will come back here than to another prem club. I.E. the closer we get to opening the new stadium and having the revenue to start challenging or that shock, horror we challenge in the next 2-3 years with our core of homegrowns. The extra dosh on naming rights alone, having Bale in the side, is inestimable

 

[ultimateloner]

Bale will not leave RM and RM wont let him go. He had 13 goals + 9 assists this season. Not great but not terrible.
Ronaldo is 30 he cant keep the same playing style for this number of games.
A change of guard will occur its just a question of when.

 

[Pellshek]

Sad to see Bale cutting such a peripheral figure last night. Other subs and squad members who had less input into the win were significantly happier than he seemed.

Much of that will of course be down to simple disappointment at being injured, but it may be more existential than that wrt his RM future.

 

[Led's Zeppelin]

Sad to see Bale cutting such a peripheral figure last night. Other subs and squad members who had less input into the win were significantly happier than he seemed.

Much of that will of course be down to simple disappointment at being injured, but it may be more existential than that wrt his RM future.

Strange. I thought he looked incredibly happy, laughing and joking with all the other players, smiling fit to bust, dancing up and down...and he certainly couldn't stop grinning throughout his interview about his third CL Winner's medal...

It is Gareth Bale we're talking about isn't it?

 

[Pellshek]

Strange. I thought he looked incredibly happy, laughing and joking with all the other players, smiling fit to bust, dancing up and down...and he certainly couldn't stop grinning throughout his interview about his third CL Winner's medal...

It is Gareth Bale we're talking about isn't it?

Maybe I'm projecting, or didn't see enough of the post-match. I could be wrong for sure.

 

[theShiznit]

I think he's gone backwards (as a player) since leaving us, I think he's pretty much admitted he's not as good as he was for us as well, too much bulking up to copy Ronny (who conversely has decided he needs more speed and is shedding the muscle mass)

He has lost that ability to glide past players and that extra gear doesn't seem to be there, also not as agile.

Would be interesting to see what he could do for us now, but I wouldn't expect him to be as key a figure as he was for us originally.

 

[Khilari]

There seems to be a lack of objectivity in this thread, from some.

Bale, born in Wales, football educated in Southampton, burst onto the scene at Tottenham, a team then fighting for a top 4 place with no recent trophies and at best only with a chance at winning a cup moves to Real Madrid, arguably the biggest team on the planet for wages that make Spurs' wages look like chump change... and some people think he should have stayed? WTF.

Get a grip. We were part of his journey to super stardom and both parties benefitted. We got some brilliant football, great goals and an extremely good sum for him, which we squandered (for the most part) yet for some reason feel he should 'continued his education at Spurs' under AVB, rather than play with some of the best players in the world.

I think history since validates his choice. Did I want Bale to stay? Yes. Did I think he would stay? Not on your life. As a lifelong Spurs fan if I had the luck of playing for Spurs but then being offered a move to a club where, in my relatively short (15 year) career I'm given a chance at winning football's biggest prizes, will I really stay? Forget the money for a second - I'd still only stay if I truly believed I could achieve that at Spurs. Which clearly wasn't happening at the time.

Most footballers will tell you that when a good offer comes in, not to wait as it may never come again. Injuries can strike at any time and rob you the only chance of that 'big move'.

People arguing that maybe in the future we should be the club that brings him back are at least not as deluded. If we maintain our current success, move into the new stadium, become more of a financial powerhouse, who knows? Who wouldn't want to play for and train under Pochettino? But that's all still so far away.

 

[TropicalYid]

Would love to have Bale back. He would be the marquee signing we need.
But, I dont think it will happen and it would be absolute madness to sell any of our star players to fund Bale.

 

[Lilbaz]

Would love to have Bale back. He would be the marquee signing we need.
But, I dont think it will happen and it would be absolute madness to sell any of our star players to fund Bale.

Who would you drop for him dele or eriksen? Or would you change our formation to accomodate him?
I don't think we need him. Would prefer a young xabi alonso type.

 

[hutchiniho]

Clearly history validates his choice.
3 champions league medals since he signed for RM.
A league title.
A Copa del Rey.
Super cup and
a world club cup.
Not bad! Plus A sack load of dosh.
Not many players have that on a CV.
And if we're honest as a club we don't have 7 trophies in the last 40 years let alone 4.
So of course he was right to go at that time.
A proper Superstar.
But Yes I'd take him back. I'd drive to Madrid to get him or train for my pilots' license just in case he'd prefer the private jet.

Every team needs quality like Bale!

Although the press today is saying Bale wants more with Madrid and Real don't want to sell him. So let's find that young Alonso instead !?!

 

[Khilari]

Would love to have Bale back. He would be the marquee signing we need.
But, I dont think it will happen and it would be absolute madness to sell any of our star players to fund Bale.

You mean the Sissoko-Bale straight swap isn't going to happen?

 

[glospur]

If, as rumours suggest and with Griezmann staying at AM, he ends up at the Mancs this summer it will be devestating tbh. Not because I don't love this team and manager, because I do, but I've only been following football, let alone Spurs, since about 2010, and he was a massive part and reason for that. Also the first Spurs shirt I bought as a kit wearing wanker teenager was a Bale shirt, which I still have so I'd hate to see him wearing red.

 

[Spurger King]

If, as rumours suggest and with Griezmann staying at AM, he ends up at the Mancs this summer it will be devestating tbh. Not because I don't love this team and manager, because I do, but I've only been following football, let alone Spurs, since about 2010, and he was a massive part and reason for that. Also the first Spurs shirt I bought as a kit wearing wanker teenager was a Bale shirt, which I still have so I'd hate to see him wearing red.

Might want to avoid his games for Wales then.

 

[glospur]

Might want to avoid his games for Wales then.

Haha good point. That Always grinder my gears.