Bale is spurred on by all the love
WALES SKIPPER SO HAPPY TO BE FITTING IN AGAIN
GARETH BALE believes he is on course to rediscover his best form after feeling back at home again in the Premier League with Tottenham.
The Wales skipper ended an increasingly miserable spell at Real Madrid in September to return to his old club on loan.
Tonight, he has Finland in his sights as Wales aim to secure top spot in their Nations League group, and their record scorer is in a buoyant mood.
“I feel very happy and I have settled in very well at Tottenham,” said Bale, who has 33 goals for his country.
“Coming back to a place where you feel loved gives you the hunger to go again and to play for your fans, who you know support you so much.
“It’s nice to be back playing and nice to be where I’m wanted. It has definitely helped being back in the UK.
Hopefully, that can continue and I can have a good season for Wales on top. Getting my fitness back and playing again is what makes every player happy.
“There is still more to come, more to improve, and I’m looking forward to it.” Bale was not wanted by Real manager Zinedine Zidane or many of the club’s fans despite helping them to four Champions League trophies.
But the 31- year- old is beginning to form a potent attack at Spurs alongside Harry Kane and Son Heung- Min after six matches since rejoining the club he left in 2013.
Bale started the last game in the top flight alongside the pair and will be up against Manchester City on Saturday.
He is already off the mark for Spurs after heading the winner against Brighton this month.
Bale turned provider against the Republic of Ireland on Sunday when he headed the ball back across
GARETH BALE endured a Covid scare after swapping shirts with Tottenham team- mate Matt Doherty. Republic of Ireland right- back Doherty is self- isolating having tested positive after Sunday’s 1- 0 defeat by Wales in Cardiff. The pair were pictured embracing at the end of the game, right, and it is understood they later exchanged shirts.
It left Bale worried he may have exposed himself to the virus but he has since tested negative.
He said: “It’s a slight concern for everybody when you’re in close contact with them on the field.” goal for David Brooks to nod home in the 1- 0 victory in Group B4.
Now he hopes to take another step on the road to full fitness after missing Wales’ previous camp to work on his comeback at Spurs.
Bale said: “It does take a bit of getting used to, the rhythm of playing every few days.
“I’m a bit more stiff than usual, but the more games I’m playing, the better the body is adapting. It will take a bit of time but I’m on the right path. “Leading into Euros in the summer, that’s where I want to be peaking.”
Wales need only a point in Cardiff to ensure promotion to the top tier of the Nations League and gain the chance of earning a play- off spot for the next World Cup should they fail to reach Qatar 2022 automatically.