The Two Sides of Gareth Bale

After Gareth Bale's deflected free-kick against Ukraine which set the seal on Wales' berth for Qatar , it got me thinking how will we remember Gareth Bale once the dust settles. 

There has been a stark difference in Bale while in Los Blanocs shirt and while in a Welsh shirt.

His stats for club and country since June 2021 are

Real Madrid                                  Wales

App: 7                                            App :  7

Goals: 1                                         Goals : 5

Assist: 0                                        Assists : 2

The Downward Spiral:

One can definitely argue that Bale was unlucky as he was plagued by injuries , one after another after another. He wasn't a part of eleven anymore and his sour relationship made the equation go completely against Bale. 

Although his spell at Totenham in 20-21 was not so bad with 11 goals 2 assist in 20 appearance in PL. 3 goals in 10 appearances in UEL and 1 goal in 2 appearances in EFL.

His first half wasn't anything stellar but second half of the season he was on the scoring or assisting charts on a regular basis. Surely means he still has it but it's his attitude and injury because his 32 and Benzema-34 Modric- 36 Ronaldo-37 Messi-35 are still playing at levels most of the players can't even hit at their peak.

After all that was happening at Real , Bale's frustration came out with the infamous "Wales.Golf.Madrid" banner and it was the beginning of the end of his relationship with the faithfully Real supporters.

This season Ancelotti wanted to give Bale another chance but Bale didn't seem to grab the opportunity up with both arms. He was happy running down his contract and staying fit so that he could play for Wales. 

And when he did play for Wales , my goodness there was no stopping him.

He withdrew from the Classico in which Real were hammered 4-0 and he returned with Wales scoring a stunning brace against Austria. This pattern was seen throughout the season with Bale being unfit and being fit again when it came to play for Wales and he not only played but performed like an elite - like the player he was (and still is).

Many were of the opinion that he was using his "injuries" as a weapon to stay fit for international qualifiers.

Ancelotti said he was keen on using Bale , but Bale wouldn't hit the grace.

Although club football and national football are different , there's a stark difference between how Bale was handled by Rob Page (Welsh Manager) and Ancelotti.

Ancelotti expected him to be in the grass everyday and rightfully so whereas Page gave Bale all the freedom in the world to train the way he liked - be it cycling or in the pool all that Page wanted was 60-70 mins from Bale and not only did he give those minutes but also stellar performances.

Welsh Magic:

Wales had failed to qualify for any major tournament since 1958.

In comes Bale and his group not only did they qualify for 2016 Euros but had a magical run till semis losing to eventual champions of the tournament- Portugal and how can you forget his magical free-kick against England in the group stage.

They failed to qualify for 2018 WC but qualified for Euros again and now they've achieved history by qualifying for the first time in their history for WC since 1958. First in 64 years. Everyone saw Bale's contribution in their qualification was indispensable and utterly important.

This tweet rightfully says 

Real Madrid Legacy :

When Bale became the most expensive transfer in 2013 for a reported fee of $111M.

He played an integral part in Real's 4CL's in 5 years. He was always there for Real , the clutch player in clutch moments be it against Liverpool 2018 or Copa Del Rey 2014 against Barca. 

He has won 19 titles with Los Merengues.

5 Champions League

4 Club World Cups

3 La Liga

3 UEFA Super Cup

3 Spanish Super Cup

1 Copa Del Rey

So Bale will leave with more goals for Real than R9 (106 to 104) , more assists than David Beckham (67 to 51) , more games than Luis Figo (256 to 245) , more trophies as a player than Zidane (19 to 6) and more Champions league than Raul (5 to 3).

Although during the parade no Real fan booed or whistled Bale and were chanting his name rather.

Future:

Bale's contract came to an end with Madrid and he would probably want to extend his club football stay to prepare himself for Qatar 2022 although without playing for club he can turn up and perform for his country like he kept doing for World Cup Qualifiers. Had he not qualified for WC he would've either retired or gone to MLS. When asked whether his retirement is delayed he replied "a little bit".

At this moment no top club would want to have him given his wages and that he would probably play 2 months and save himself for Qatar and who knows what after that.

Although as per report Cardiff City of Championship want his signature but would he play in ruthless Championship every Saturday-Tuesday with a huge wage cut which would see his wage be 20K per week.

Only time will tell.

Conclusion:

As time passes by we tend to forget the negative aspect of the player and only remember them for the accolades they've won and what they've achieved throughout their career. For example Ronaldinho and Adrino are remembered for their achievements and not their off field issues. And while I feel it'll be the same with Bale one could not help but think about "what could it have been" had he not being injured so often and fallen out with Zidane. Besides everything he'll forever remember a Real Madrid and Football legend for what he has done and achieved throughout

his playing days for both Wales and Madrid.

And he should make it 

"Wales.Golf.Freekicks."