I feel stronger than ever at the moment – Bale
GARETH Bale says he’s feeling stronger than ever following a turbulent period at club level.
The 30-year-old is set to feature for Wales in their Euro 2020 qualifier with Azerbaijan at Cardiff City Stadium tonight after a difficult summer that almost saw him leave Real Madrid.
Having been frozen out by Zinedine Zidane, Bale appeared destined for a move to Chinese Super League outfit Jiangsu Suning, although the move collapsed at the final hurdle.
After missing several pre-season games, Bale was re-introduced to the first team fold in the Spanish capital and scored his first goals for the club since March in his side’s 2-2 draw with Villarreal before the international break.
And Bale believes he’s in the best shape of his career ahead of Wales’ latest qualifying match in the Welsh capital.
“I feel good. I feel probably stronger than ever at the moment,” admitted the Welshman.
“When you get older you learn from mistakes in the past, doing a bit more Football writer prevention work in the gym and keeping yourself fitter.
“I feel in very good shape, hopefully I can stay on top of that and continue to keep playing well.”
Bale has been the victim of some fierce criticism from those in Madrid this year, while Zidane recently performed a U-turn having previously stated that he was keen for the Wales star to move on.
But Bale admits he paid no attention to those who doubted him in recent months.
“I don’t listen to them because they don’t really know what they are on about!” he added.
“I don’t read anything, I don’t listen to anyone. I know most people don’t know the situation, don’t understand the situation. What they write means nothing.
“It’s obviously not been great (club struggles). I wouldn’t say it’s the worst time of my career.
“I remember not playing for a year under Harry Redknapp. It’s not been ideal, but I have been here before, I know how to deal with it.
“It’s about keeping the head down, keep working hard and I think you always get rewarded for the work you put it.
“I have kept my head down, kept grinding through everything.
“I had a good pre-season in terms of training – not so much in games – then started the season well. Things in football I know can turn quickly. It’s a matter of time, always.”
The record scorer of the men’s side was somewhat bizarrely branded “a golfer” by club team mate Courtois earlier this year.
When asked what the Madrid players call Bale, the goalkeeper told Belgian newspaper HLN: “The golfer.”
But when asked if that tag was unfair, Bale brilliantly responded: “I am a golfer. Have you not seen the pictures?
“I spoke to him (Courtois) about it and he said it as a joke. People took it out of context, but I’m very happy with the nickname, to be honest.
“It’s a great one. Football is my No.1 sport. I’m paid to do it and I always give my best.
“Golf is a hobby like anyone else would have a hobby.
“There is nothing wrong with having a round.
“People make a lot of it, but a lot of footballers play it and it’s one thing I really enjoy.
“It keeps me calmer off the pitch and gives me time away from football which is nice.”
Following his struggles, Bale admits he’s delighted to focus on football with Wales again, adding that he always relishes playing for his country.
“It’s always great to be a part of the Wales squad,” he added.
“I always enjoy it when I come away here. Most of us have been together since we were young and through the Euros and the great experiences.
“I always enjoy coming away here. It’s nice to be back and it’s a big game like we all know. I enjoy being here and love playing for my country.”