Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Ronaldo shock as he admits ‘mistake’
in the competition’s history, arguably even better than Zidane’s for Real Madrid in the 2002 final. Another reason why Zidane’s nose might have been put out of joint.
Despite the blow of being a substitute, Bale was intent on making his mark. “It’s an amazing achievement, an amazing feeling and more history,” he said.
“Obviously I’m very disappointed not to start the game. I feel like I deserved to start because I’ve been playing very well.
“I’ve played well since Christmas and any player would want to start. But the most important thing is I know how to be professional and when you come on, you need to try and make an impact and that’s what I was able to do.”
Of his overhead kick, he added: “I’ve tried it many times before and come close. I’ve hit the post. It was just instinctive, I’ve seen the ball there, I’ve had a great connection and seen it fly in. But the most important thing was to help the team get the trophy again.”
A debate always rages around Real and Zidane. This team has won three Champions Leagues in a row, yet rarely are the players feted as legends and the manager spent parts of last season with the threat of the sack hanging over him.
It is the same for Bale as, despite his remarkable trophy haul, he rarely gets the credit he deserves in Spain. But he insists that does not matter to him.
“It doesn’t bother me to be honest whether I get credit or not,” he said. “I know what I do. I know what I’m capable of and I know what I’ve achieved. So long as my friends and family are proud of me then I couldn’t care less.
“I just want to enjoy this moment and just have a rest. Then I’ll sit down with everybody at a big table and see what my next move is.”