Gareth Bale talks up Wales once again

Gareth Bale talks up Wales once again, despite eating his own words after losing to England

As an English supporter, I found our victory over Wales particularly satisfying simply because of Gareth Bale. He made jab after jab at our team, stating nobody would make it into the Wales side and explaining how much he’d love to knock us out of the competition. His confidence was great, but even his wonderful free-kick couldn’t save him from the backlash that ensued after losing.

Well, Bale didn’t learn his lesson. He got proven wrong against England, yet remains confident and continues to talk up the Wales team. He said this to the Guardian –

“After the game we decided to go out for lunch as a group in Dinard. The staff and players. We had a nice meal out with everybody. It was a chance to get away from the hotel a little bit, a change of scenery. Having burger and chips seems to have helped.”

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“It was something we definitely needed. We are eating very well at the hotel, but that is quite strict. So it is nice to get a change and it lightens everyone’s mood. I had a nice dessert as well, a crepe with Nutella.”

“It’s about the team and us getting to the next round. Individually, whether you score goals or win awards, it’s irrelevant. I’d take playing rubbish every single game if it meant we could go as far as we can.”

“The first goal is to get out of the group and it’s in our hands. We still have the chance to do that. I have no plans to fly home this week.”

Now as funny as it was seeing him silenced by a late Daniel Sturridge winner, I really respect Gareth Bale as an international player. Unlike Cristiano Ronaldo, he’s very much a team player. He dedicates his skill and talents to his team, and plays as if they are his equals.

His attitude makes them perform better, and his contributions are felt by everyone amongst their ranks. On paper, they aren’t the best, but the chemistry created by the team spirit and Bale’s influence makes them far greater.

I hope they get through alongside England, but first they need to deal with Russia. In relation to that, Bale added –

“We want to play like we’ve been doing and hopefully get the win. I have seen only a little bit of them, of Russia, but they’re a very good team. We understand that and they’re in this tournament for a reason. We know their weakness and we know their strengths. We want to go at them.”

“The England game is behind us, we have moved on. It is in the past and the challenge is ahead of us.”