Player Watch: Gareth Bale - Retires

I liked Bale. Then I was indifferent. And now, I love him.

Let me explain...

I always liked Bale a lot when he was at Spurs, prior to Madrid. But for some reason I could never love the guy. Perhaps it has to do with protecting one's heart, after seeing it crushed a few times by Spurs consistently selling off their best players before the Poch era. Spurs had fundamentally changed me to avoid getting too attached to any one player, as chances are, one day they'll up and leave for something better. So, when Bale rose to prominence, and emerged as one of the very best players in Europe, it was simply a matter of time. So, I kept my attachment to him at arm's length, knowing he'd inevitably jump ship. Don't get me wrong, I loved watching him play. But I could never quite get myself to fully open my heart, with reckless abandon. Not like I had with Gazza, Waddle, Hoddle, Berba, Modders... wasn't gonna let that happen again. So, just sat back, enjoyed the ride, and hoped that when he was sold, it would be for an ungodly sum, that would allow us to bring in three or four players in his stead.

Then, as sure as night turns to day, he was off. Madrid bound.

Won his share of trophies and plaudits. And occasionally I'd catch him in a CL game, but I'd never look at him and think... 'he's one of our own'. I looked upon him as a very well paid mercenary, that has no transcendent connection to any one club. Bale is sorta like a club unto himself.

I've never truly believed he would come back to us. Just never felt remotely plausible. I had assumed that once Madrid were done with him, he'd end up at somewhere like PSG, or Juve or Bayern or UTD. Not us. I didn't think he really cared all that much. Figured he was just about Bale FC.

Then this happens. And it turns out, that he really could have chosen any of the top 15 teams in Europe to play at, but he made clear he wanted to come back to us. That our club is a place that made him feel happy and secure. This filled me with unexpected joy. As I really didn't think he cared all that much. I was wrong. Apparently, he cares a lot.

Which in turn, has completely won me over and I can officially say... I'm in love with Bale. Welcome home, Gareth.

Anyone watching Sky Sports PL right now? 402

its a sign

Moonie said:

Still listed on their web site as a player though..I mean it’s all ifs buts and coconuts. Or something

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Bit different to not having his name available to buy for a shirt, they obviously don't want fans to buy his name as he's in his way out. Profiles don't necessarily need to be immediately taken down.

Rocksuperstar said:

But you have a wipe anyway, because poking your bum-hole with a papered finger is part of the experience and whores will have their trinkets.

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Plus you’ve gotta mop up the blood

Someone needs to produce a Bale video with this song....

Can someone please just make the "What squad number do you think Bale will take?" post that I've been waiting all day to quote-reply "47" to, so that I can finally take my leave of this thread and get on with the rest of my life?

fabrizio's called it, no here we go nonsense yet though

Gareth Bale
he went to Spain
But now he's back at White Hart Lane
He likes his golf, he hates Madrid
The thing he loves most is being a yid

Got to ve honest.

Slight dampner it appears to be just the season loan.

Not sure if they know something or hopping on the excited bandwagon but this account has hookups in the academy so presumably has some connection or other to the club.

Kingellesar said:

Anyone watching Sky Sports PL right now? 402

its a sign

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Switched on in time to see the West Ham goal ?

We reckoning if he kicks on we can keep him next season too?

Hotspur88 said:

Used to work in hospitality when in Uni. Wales used to stay at the establishment regularly and I met Bale on several occasions. I spoke to him a few times about Spurs when he was with us and I can tell you now he was in love with the club. I was gutted when he left but from conversations I used to have with him, the guy loved everything about the club so it doesn't surprise me that we are where he wants to be. He was a very nice quiet guy who even sorted tickets to go and watch Wales for my friends and I. I'm English so it was a tough decision but I took him up on the offer and had a great night out in Cardiff afterwards with my mates.

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The Vale?

Thought it was going go be two years.

Where’s the view that it’s only the one year deal come from?