I’m still go for Russia roars Mo
week-in, week-out, not be a bit-part player caught up in the political machinations that cloud the Bernabeu and have undermined many a star player over the years.
Remember, Bale featured for only a total of 36 minutes in the last-16 matches against Paris Saint-Germain, was hauled off at half-time in the second leg of the quarter-final against Juventus and was an unused substitute in the first leg of the semi-final against Bayern Munich.
Remarkably, he has completed the full 90 minutes on fewer than 10 occasions in all competitions this season.
No lesser authorities than Michael Laudrup and Michael Owen – who both had stints at Real – think Bale should quit and go to a club where he would be given the respect he deserves.
The numbers will be high. Real will want to recoup much of the £86m they paid Tottenham in 2013 as they prepare a bid to bring Neymar back to Spain.
Clubs will also have to go some way to meeting Bale’s £650,000-aweek wages and there will be little or no resale value on him because of his age. But that amazing goal in Kiev confirmed that investment in players such as Bale with matchturning ability invariably pays off . Perhaps they need to change the name of the Champions League to the CR7 Champions League. “Who has the most titles and who has the most goals?” - Cristiano Ronaldo THAT’S MY BOY: Zinedine Zidane celebrates with Ronaldo, left, but failed to congratulate matchwinner Bale MOHAMED SALAH has eased fears he would not be at the World Cup next month after his shoulder injury ruined his Champions League dream.
When the Liverpool star was taken off in the 30th minute of the final and with Russia 2018 just 17 days away, it did not look good.
But he tweeted yesterday: “It was a very tough night but I’m a fighter. Despite the odds, I’m confident that I’ll be in Russia to make you all proud. Your love and support will give me the strength I need.”
X-rays on his left shoulder, damaged in a tangle with Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos, have revealed “sprained shoulder ligaments” but no break.
The World Cup starts for Egypt on June 15, the second day of the tournament, when they meet Uruguay.
Ramos apologised to the Liverpool and Egypt striker after their clash on the pitch, which saw Salah wrestled to the ground and the defender land on his shoulder.
“Sometimes football shows you its good side and others the bad. Above all we’re fellow pros,” wrote Ramos on Twitter. “Get well soon, Salah. The future awaits you.”
But there was barely disguised annoyance in the Liverpool camp after their star striker ended the night early and in tears in the dressing room. Defender Andy Robertson echoed several when he said: “I think it is just how he has landed on it but Ramos is quite clever, isn’t he?
“It’s unfortunate. He has done unbelievable this season and for it to end that way for him was devastating. I hope he goes to the World Cup because a nation is relying on him. It looked bad. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for him.”
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said: “It was a big moment in the game. I know if you say something like that after you’ve lost, you sound like a bad loser.
“But for me that was kind of a harsh challenge because the arm is there and it was like wrestling a little bit. It was unlucky that Mo fell on his shoulder. It is a really serious injury.”
BURNLEY defender James Tarkowski has withdrawn from England’s World Cup standby list to have a hernia operation.
The Clarets expect him to be fit again for pre-season in July.