TON OF FUN
Bale’s love of Wales strong as ever ahead of 100th cap
GARETH BALE has faced many questions in his career.
But the four-time Champions League winner’s love of playing for Wales has never been in doubt.
In fact, it was among the many bones of contention in Spain, where Real Madrid fans often felt Bale should have prioritised them more.
Despite his success there, the 32-year-old has often faced criticism abroad.
But you will not hear any grumbling in Wales tonight.
Instead, there will be adulation for the nation’s 36-goal record scorer who stands to win his 100th cap against Belarus in Cardiff.
It is the latest milestone in a love affair that has taken Wales to the Euros twice, reaching the semi-finals in 2016.
The forward said: “Coming away with Wales is a highlight of my year and my season.
“I love being with the boys, the staff and playing in front of our fans.
“When I play I try my best for the fans and country.
“It is how it is in Wales. We love our country and playing for Wales and know what it means to everyone involved. I think that is why everyone is so passionate when they put on a Wales shirt.
“It’s my country, it’s my place of birth, it’s where I’ve grown up. You have that special connection and that connection with the fans.
“We were all fans growing up. We always loved to go to watch Wales and wanted them to do well. When a fan plays for your own national team you bring that passion with you. It is such a special bond between the players, the staff and the fans. I’m very proud and honoured to be aWelshman.”
Bale has been tipped for greatness with Wales since standing out with an assist on his debut after coming on as a substitute aged 16 years and 315 days old in a 2006 friendly against Trinidad & Tobago.
However, few could have envisaged that he would be the driving force behind a surge up the FIFA rankings and historic Welsh success at tournament football.
Bale said: “To get 100 caps will personally be an incredible achievement and one you never think about when you start out.
“It has been an amazing journey and one that started very young.
“We have been through the lows when I first joined before we tried to grow Welsh football to put it on the right path and inspire the generations coming through.
“Even now, the youngsters in the team have watched us come from a lower-ranked team to a higher-ranked team and it has given them a drive to push to get better.”
But Bale knows there is another famous chapter still potentially to be written.
Wales have not been to a World Cup since 1958 but are guaranteed a play-off spot after winning their Nations League. Four points from their final two games – they host Group E leaders Belgium on Tuesday – will clinch second spot and a more favourable draw.
Bale said: “We’re trying to push for the World Cup now, that is something at the top of everyone’s list.”
WALES (3-5-2): Ward; Mepham, Rodon, Davies; Roberts, Ramsey, Morrell, Allen, Thomas; James, Bale.