WALES BELARUS

GARETH BALE has faced many questions in his illustrious career but what has never been in doubt is his love for Wales.

In fact, his passion for his country has alienated fans of Real Madrid, who believe the Welshman should show the same ardour while wearing a white shirt.

Despite his glittering trophy cabinet – he has won four Champions League medals – the 32-year-old has regularly faced criticism while in Spain

But you won’t hear any grumbling in Wales tonight. The only noise is likely to be applause for the nation’s record scorer who will win his 100th cap tonight at home to Belarus in Cardiff.

It is the latest milestone in a memorable love affair which has helped Wales to the Euros twice, including an incredible run to the semi-finals in 2016 (celebrating, below, the defeat of a strong Belgium team).

Bale admits he is never happier on a pitch than when he is wearing Welsh red and he remains focused on helping his country reach a first World Cup finals since 1958.

The former

Spurs star said:

“Coming away with

Wales is a highlight of my year and my season. I love being with the boys and the staff and playing in front of our fans. When I play I try my best for the fans and my country. It is how it is in Wales. We love our country and know what it means to everyone involved to play.

“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 with the fans.”

Bale said he felt the same way even as a boy. “We were all fans growing up,” he said. “We always loved to go to watch Wales and wanted them to do well.

It is such a special bond between players, staff and fans. I’m honoured to be a Welshman.”

Bale has been tipped for greatness with Wales since standing out with an assist on his debut after coming on as sub aged 16 years and 315 days in 2006. But few could have envisaged how he would be the driving force behind a surge up the FIFA rankings and historic Welsh success at tournament football.

Bale added: “To get 100 caps will 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 went through the lows when I first joined. Since then we have tried to put

the country on the right path and inspire the generations coming through. The younger players have watched us come from a lower-ranked team to a higher-ranked team and it has given them a push”

As recently as 2011 Wales were way down at 117 in the FIFA world rankings. By 2015 they had climbed to eighth. In September 2015 they were one place ahead of England.

But Bale knows there is another famous chapter still potentially to be written with his beloved nation.

Wales have not been to a World Cup since 1958 but are already guaranteed a play-off spot after winning their Nations League.

Four points from their final two games will clinch second spot in Group E 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.

“It is the next thing we want to do – the thing we haven’t done before.”