Player Watch: Gareth Bale - Retires

[ultimateloner]

Bale was (and still is) fantastic but even your assessment of him hinges on what he could’ve been not what he actually is/was. He had one truly incredible season (and even in that season scored fewer than Son this year, albeit he scored more exceptional goals). If Son was 23 now, I promise you the Real Madrids of the world would be salivating over him in much the same way they were over Bale 9 years ago.

I like Son more than Bale because of how he oozes humbleness and humanity, as well as having great ability on the pitch.

Kane has been the main reason we are in a top-table position over the last 5 years. A top-5 striker in the world.

However peak Bale is simply the better player over both of them.

As @hellava_tough said, peak Bale can single-handely win games. And this is the PL we are talking about, a physical league. People work hard and figure you out. And yet Bale was able to decide games consistently.

Son is a great poacher, Kane a top creative forward, but neither can win games on their own, and certainly not the way Bale can dominate an entire back line.

Bale has unique physical qualities that sets him apart. I can't really think of someone with that combo of raw power and speed. He also has technical qualities and was clever enough to change how he plays. Walcott had the speed, but lacked the technique and the mental qualities for top level.

My speculation with Bale is that injuries have caught up with him. Add to the fact that he has already won alot in club football, winning a little bit more at the expense of his well-being in the latter part of his life isn't worthwhile. That is why he chooses to only compete in what emotionally matters to him.

 

[Tyler24durden]

Would still love bale back with us.

impact player, scores and assists.

offers more than moura and Stevie B.

 

[Lukasz]

Played more golf than football this season and still won his 5th Champions League title. Legend.

 

[bubble07]

5 Champions Leagues

 

[JSpurs1]

Would still love bale back with us.

impact player, scores and assists.

offers more than moura and Stevie B.

I live locally to where GB grew up. Strong rumours here that his move to Cardiff is done pending Wales qualifying for the WC in a few weeks.

 

['O Zio]

I live locally to where GB grew up. Strong rumours here that his move to Cardiff is done pending Wales qualifying for the WC in a few weeks.

Find that very hard to believe tbh. I'm not in the "we have to get him at all costs" camp like some people seem to be, but he can surely do a lot better than Cardiff both in terms of quality and financially, unless either they're going to pay him some idiotic amount of money as a publicity stunt, or he's just decided he's got enough money and just wants to have a laugh playing for his local club or whatever.

No disrespect intended to Cardiff obviously, just seems like it would be a ridiculous coup for them.

 

[Yiddo100]

Find that very hard to believe tbh. I'm not in the "we have to get him at all costs" camp like some people seem to be, but he can surely do a lot better than Cardiff. No disrespect intended to Cardiff obviously.

I’m fully convinced he’ll retire after the WC, why not go to your boyhood club to keep fit for a few months

 

['O Zio]

I’m fully convinced he’ll retire after the WC, why not go to your boyhood club to keep fit for a few months

Like I say, because he could play at a higher standard (I e. Better preparation) and make more money doing it. Plus given his injury record, a grueling season scrapping in the bottom half of the championship doesn't seem the best idea.

Fair play if he does go there. It just seems like a slightly odd thing to do is all.

 

[Yiddo100]

Like I say, because he could play at a higher standard (I e. Better preparation) and make mie money doing it. Plus given his injury record, a grueling season scrapping in the championship doesn't seem the best idea.

He sure can play at a higher level but does he want to? Bale doesn’t need the money, if he goes to Cardiff it will be on his terms and he’ll play no more than one game a week I’d imagine,could see him signing a 6 month contract then off into the sun playing golf after the World Cup

 

[soflapaul]

Bale doesn't think like most football players. He isn't motivated the same way others are. Cardiff is a probably a great option from a personal perspective if he doesn't get injured in the Championship.

 

[agrdavidsfan]

Bale doesn't think like most football players. He isn't motivated the same way others are. Cardiff is a probably a great option from a personal perspective if he doesn't get injured in the Championship.

There are a few offers on the table for him now, Cardiff,Beckhams team,Italian team.

My hunch if wales get to the World Cup he signs for Cardiff if they don’t he either knocks it all on the head or gives Cardiff a season.

can’t see him going abroad or anywhere else, unless obviously we came calling which isn’t on the cards.

 

[spids]

He only played 7 mins in the whole tournament, bit of a stretch to say he’s won it 5 times.

 

[spids]

Whilst I’d love Bale back as an impact sub / back up for Kulusevski, there’s no way he is committing to a Conte pre-season. And there is no way Conte is entertaining a player who is not committed to a Conte pre-season.

 

[fuzzylogic]

Personally I don’t really care where he ends up. He’ll do what is best for himself

 

[qqq1]

If he goes to Cardiff it will be a 6 month contract so it would expire after the world cup.

 

[JSpurs1]

Find that very hard to believe tbh. I'm not in the "we have to get him at all costs" camp like some people seem to be, but he can surely do a lot better than Cardiff both in terms of quality and financially, unless either they're going to pay him some idiotic amount of money as a publicity stunt, or he's just decided he's got enough money and just wants to have a laugh playing for his local club or whatever.

No disrespect intended to Cardiff obviously, just seems like it would be a ridiculous coup for them.

Yeah can’t confirm it but heard from a few sources. Also heard he had contacted Ramsey to join him but he wasn’t keen.

 

[BoringOldFan]

He only played 7 mins in the whole tournament, bit of a stretch to say he’s won it 5 times.

As the poet said “They also serve who only stand and wait”. I don’t think he deserves a medal any less than Eden Hazard or even Marcelo this season.

 

[cjbyid]

He's finally freeee, although he's no doubt made a ridiculous amount.

 

[CantSmileWithoutYou]

It's Gareth Bale, not Nelson Mandela....

 

[spids]

He's finally free....

.. from his £650k weekly wage that only requires him to attend the training ground for 2 hours per day for a massage, and to watch matches at weekends.