WALES SQUAD
RYAN GIGGS says Gareth Bale’s off-the-field problems at Real Madrid will not stop him being Wales’ main man.
Wales boss Giggs said: “He’s a fantastic footballer and someone who can make the difference. His mentality is always the same. He always wants to play.”
Bale’s fall-outs champions of
Spain are well documented and there does not appear to be an easy fix.
But Giggs named the 31-year-old for the Nations League matches with Finland a week tomorrow and Bulgaria three days later, insisting he has a “special” player on his hands.
Bale is getting with the frozen out at Madrid but has made it quite clear he won’t be bullied. He’s happy to see out the remaining two years of his contract and pick up a cool £350,000 a week clear after tax.
Boss Zinedine Zidane wants Bale out but the Madrid boss has become frustrated by the Welshman’s determination not to be forced to do anything he doesn’t want to. Bale’s massive problem is lack of game-time – he’s only played 100 minutes of league football since midFebruary.
His last La Liga goal was 12 months ago when he scored twice in Madrid’s 2-2 draw at Villarreal.
Reports suggest Bale touching down with Wales again is being met with trepidation back in Spain.
His last spell of international duty got him into all sorts of trouble when he held aloft the infamous “Wales, golf, Madrid – in that order” banner as the players celebrated clinching their Euro 2020 spot with a win over Hungary in November.
The Wales boss says it’s a distraction Bale is more than capable of handling himself.
Giggs said: “Gareth has been in this situation quite a long time. He looks after himself. At the moment is it a worry to me? No.
“That might change but we will just have to see. It’s something
I’ve got used to.
He’s a pleasure to work with.
“He always turns up, fit and raring to go. He may not always be totally match-fit which isn’t ideal but he’s managed it quite well over the past 18 months.” Giggs said he hoped Bale’s legacy in the Spanish capital won’t be overshadowed by his off-field frustrations. He added: “I hope remembered for being he’s the fantastic footballer he is. He’s won four Champions Leagues and scored one of the best ever goals in the final.
“That’s what great players do, turn up in big games and at big moments and Gareth has certainly done that.”
Euro 2016 hero Hal RobsonKanu returns to the international fold after nearly three years away, while there are first senior call-ups for Liverpool’s Neco Williams (above left) and Swansea’s Ben Cabango. Robson-Kanu won the last of his 44 caps against the Republic of Ireland in October 2017 and has not played under Giggs.