Gareth ‘the greatest ever Welshman’
GARETH Bale to United has been, in some form or other, a story of transfer windows for the past five summers.
Ever since the Welshman made his then world-record move to Real Madrid from Tottenham, United have cast flirtatious eyes in his direction.
Ed Woodward made it clear early on he wanted Bale and Jose Mourinho has been open about his desire to sign him, should it be possible.
The player poured petrol on the flames with his comments after a stunning two-goal contribution to Saturday night’s Champions League final, refusing to commit his future to the Spanish giants after starting the game – and too many others for his liking – on the bench.
Some United fans, at least, are allowing themselves to believe it could finally happen despite concerns the forward is too old (he’s nearly 29), too injury-prone – and too expensive.
If he needed any further validation, United great Ryan Giggs, the player the young Bale used to idolise, was happy to provide it after watching the final.
Giggs described him as ‘the greatest Welsh player I’ve seen’ after seeing Bale scored twice – the first with a gravity-defying bicycle kick when the score was 1-1 after coming on as a 61st-minute substitute in Real’s 3-1 win in Kiev.
The 28-year-old now has four Champions League winner’s medals from five seasons in Spain. Bale’s Wales manager, Giggs, said: “He’s the greatest Welsh player I’ve seen.
“Obviously I didn’t see John Charles play and many others around that time.
“But great players turn up at the right moments and make the difference, and he’s done it twice now in Champions League finals.
“And to win four, to go to Real Madrid, and be so successful, he’s got to be (the best).”
Giggs watched Real’s 13th triumph in European football’s premier competition at Wales’ Los Angeles team hotel ahead of today’s friendly against Mexico. And the former United star spoke of the ‘amazing scenes’ when Bale converted a hopeful Marcelo cross into one of football’s most memorable goals.
“The team and all the staff were watching and when it went in the room erupted,” Giggs said. “They were amazing scenes and it was great all the team could watch it and celebrate it together. “It was one of those goals when you just go ‘wow’ and up there as one of the best Champions League or European Cup goals ever. “It was an amazing impact, but you’re not that surprised in one respect because of what Gareth is capable of and what he’s already achieved.” Bale – whose current contract runs until 2022 – cast doubt over his future after Real’s win as he said he needed regular football and would speak to his agent about his options this summer. But Giggs said: “I’ve always maintained he looks happy at Real Madrid. “It’s a great club and a successful one. It’s Gareth’s choice. “He’s made the difference in a Champions League final – whether that has any bearing, I don’t know. “We’ll just have to wait and see.”
The great players turn up at the right time and make a difference Ryan Giggs on Gareth Bale
GARETH Bale has provided United with further encouragement he could leave Real Madrid this summer.
The Welshman has been linked with a move to Old Trafford almost every summer since he joined Real in 2013.
And after his starring two-goal role in their Champions League final victory over Liverpool he was quick to put his future top of the agenda. “I’m not too sure,” he told ITV when asked about returning to Britain.
“Obviously, I need to be playing every week. I feel like I need to be playing every week - I deserve to.
“I just have to soak this in now and obviously enjoy this moment, and then I will have plenty of time in the summer to speak to my agent and talk things over.”
His comments echoed what he told BTSport in an on-pitch interview immediately after Real’s win.
He was happy for questions around his future to feature alongside those about the team’s win. And his response has put United on red alert for a potential summer move.
When asked about a return to the Premier League, he said: “I need to be playing week in, week out, and that hasn’t happened this season for one reason or another. I had about a five or six-week injury at start of season and I have been fit since.
“Obviously now I will have to sit down in the summer and discuss it with my agent and take it from there.” United manager Jose Mourinho has never hidden his admiration of Bale and has previously said he would try to sign him if he could.