Gareth Bale declines to rule out retiring after Euro 2020
Gareth Bale of Wales arrives at the Vale Resort. Wales training session at the Vale Resort ahead of their UEFA Nations League match against Finland. 31st August 2020. Lewis Mitchell/YCPD.
Gareth Bale has refused to rule the possibility of retiring from football following the European Championships with Wales.
Recent reports in Spain have suggested that the Real Madrid forward call an early end to his football this summer.
The 31-year-old’s contract in the Spanish capital is set to expire at the end of the 2021/22 season.
When asked about his future Bale insisted that he is only focus on this summer with Wales.
“Obviously there’s been a lot of things written about whether I’m doing this or doing that.
“For me, the main thing is I don’t want to say anything that’s going to cause more chaos or more drams or cause a distraction. I just want to focus on this Euros.
“I don’t want to say anything that is going to cause any problems on what `I am doing or what I’m not doing. My focus is just on the Euros.
“When the Euros finish for us then I will sit down and decide what I want to do.”
“I want to give everything in these Euros and put in everything I can, like we do in every single game.”
Earlier in the year Bale admitted that World Cup 2022 would be his last chance to play for Wales on the biggest stage.
He was involved in Wales 3-1 loss to Belgium and their 1-0 win over Czech Republic in qualifying, assisting in both games.
But now Bale seems to be only focusing on Wales Euro campaign this summer.
“Obviously you want to try to qualify for all the major tournaments like we all do.
“But like I have said, now is the time to solely focus on the Euros and I don’t want to be thinking about other things that I’ve said in the past.
“All the team are focusing on preparing correctly and being ready for the first game against Switzerland which will be massive for us.”
Whilst Bale was coy about his future with Wales, he was less mysterious in his assessment of Joe Rodon who he spent a season with at Tottenham.
“He has come on leaps and bounds this season; he’s made such a progression in his football.
“The performances he’s put in for Tottenham, he has got better and better and looks like a real strong defender. He’s sharp and he is looking better and better.
Rodon joined Spurs in the summer from Swansea and formed the famed Welsh Mafia with Bale and Ben Davies. In his first season in the Premier League he played 12 games for the North London club.
“He will be one of the top defenders in the Premier League in years to come.
This is another step in the right direction for him and something he wants to test himself with. I am sure he will do fantastic for us.”
Bale was also complimentary about Cardiff City youngster Rubin Colwill who was the surprise inclusion in Rob Page’s squad.
Having only made his U21 debut in March the 19-year-old has been fast tracked to the senior side.
Now he’s in the senior tree he will be able to sit under the learning tree of Wales’ seasoned pros.
“He is a bit shy to ask at the moment and being new to the squad he doesn’t know anyone,” admitted Bale.
“We have spoken a few times and I am sure when he gets comfortable with everyone and gets talking a bit, he will ask a few questions.
“He did very well in the training camp in Portugal, the first time I met him and that is why the manager decided to pick him in the squad.
“I am sure he will be ready if called on and we welcomed him into the squad with open arms.”
