Three times Bale put Scottish sides to sword
FORMER Real Madrid, Tottenham and Wales super star Gareth Bale last night announced his decision to retire from football following a trophy- laden career in the game.
Bale made his final competitive appearance during Wales’ World Cup group stage fixture with England on November 29 having won three LaLiga titles and five Champions Leagues with Madrid.
Bale, 33, wrote on his social media accounts: “After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to have realised my dream of playing the sport I love.
“It has truly given me some of the best moments of my life. The highest of highs over 17 seasons, that will be impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter has in store for me.”
And Wales’ most- capped men’s player with 111 appearances was no stranger to facing Scottish opposition during his trophy- laden career. Here are three times the Welsh wizard showed his class against Scottish sides.
FRIENDLY HUMILIATION FOR SCOTLAND
Bale’s first game against the national team came at the Cardiff City Stadium in November 2009 when George Burley’s side went down 3- 0 in an international friendly with Wales. Bale started the match as goals from Dave Edwards, Aaron
Ramsey and Simon Church put more pressure on then- boss Burley.
WORLD CUP QUALIFYING HEARTBREAK
Bale scored a late brace against Craig Levein’s Scotland in his next appearance three years later when he broke the hearts of the Tartan Army.
James Morrison had put the Scots in front in the Welsh capital and it looked like he had secured a crucial World Cup qualifying win. But two goals from Bale stole victory from the visitors. After winning a penalty, he equalised from the spot before scoring a 25- yard screamer in the 89th minute.
He was in the starting XI at Hampden for the return fixture but came off injured at half- time in another 2- 1 win for Wales in Gordon Strachan’s first competitive match in charge.
Grant Hanley looked to have given Strachan a dream start as boss when he headed the hosts in front. But Bale’s team- mates produced a similar comeback after another goal from Ramsey and a header from Hal Robson- Kanu.
TYNECASTLE DEMOLITION
Hearts also fell victim to the Welsh wizard during his playing days, with Bale on the scoresheet in a 5- 0 win for Spurs in a Europa League play- off at Tynecastle.
The winger rounded Hearts goalkeeper Marian Kello to clinch a fourth goal for Harry Redknapp’s team, putting the second leg at White Hart Lane beyond doubt.
He was rested for the game in London as the Edinburgh side recorded a 0- 0 draw.