Bale ‘100 per cent fit’ as Wales end long wait

Gareth Bale has declared himself 100 per cent fit for the World Cup in Qatar as Wales prepare for their first appearance at the finals in 64 years.

The 33-year-old has played just half an hour of football since completing his first 90 minutes for more than a year in Wales’ Nations League defeat to Poland in September.

But the former Real Madrid forward said he was “100 per cent fit and ready to go” ahead of Wales’ departure to Qatar on Tuesday.

Asked if he could play three 90-minute games against the United States, Iran and England in nine days, Bale replied: “Yeah, no problem.

“I’m fully fit and ready to go. If I need to play three 90s, I’ll play three 90s.”