Bale shines in spotlight like Becks
RYAN GIGGS claims Gareth Bale’s superstar status can take all the pressure off his Wales players, just as David Beckham did for Manchester United.
Bale is part of Giggs’ first Wales squad and will be involved in today’s China Cup opener against the hosts at the Guangxi Sports Center here, most probably as a substitute.
Southern China represents an unusual venue for the dawn of a new era in Welsh football, but true stardom has global appeal and Bale was mobbed on arrival at Nanning airport on Monday after making a 7,500-mile trip from Spain to take part in this tournament.
The presence of Giggs as manager brings an element of the unknown to this game, but there is nothing different in Bale being the centre of attention.
“It’s my first game and I want to get my best team out there. Gareth obviously gives everyone a massive lift and he is used to the spotlight,” said Giggs.
“It was the same when Becks came into the Manchester United team, he took the limelight away from me.
“Gareth would have been out here in the Far East plenty of times with Real Madrid. At big teams like United, Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern, the players are used to the adulation, especially in this part of the world because footballers are treated like gods.” Wales will earn £1million from taking on China and then either Uruguay or the Czech Republic on Monday. Bale’s presence not only boosts Giggs, but means the Football Association of Wales will not be docked £100,000 by the organisers should the 28-year-old not take part. Asked if Wales were under commercial and financial pressure to play Bale, Giggs said: “Yes, of course.” Giggs’ first steps into full-time senior management with Wales are sure to be scrutinised. The 44-year-old, below, is without Aaron Ramsey but still has a strong squad to choose from.
Ashley Williams is set to continue as Wales captain and said he thought about retiring from international football after his team missed out on qualification for this summer’s World Cup.
Wales were beaten by Republic of Ireland in their qualifier with Williams – who has had a poor campaign with Everton – culpable for James McClean’s winner in October. “It was just so disappointing missing out on the World Cup that I had to think about retirement,” said Williams, 33. “But I decided I wanted to keep doing it. “You don’t mind coming to see a different part of the world and playing some good teams who are different to your normal European opponents. I’ve not heard anyone moaning about the tournament. Everyone is looking forward to it.”
CHINA (probable): WALES (probable):