BALE’S ‘GREATEST HONOUR’
WALES captain Gareth Bale told of his greatest-ever honour last night – leading his country into their first World Cup in 64 years.
Bale, 33 – who won the Champions League five times with Real Madrid – said ahead of their first game against the USA: “Probably the biggest honour for me is to qualify for the World Cup.
“It is something we have not done for 64 years. Schools will stop and kids will have a holiday, fortunately for them.
“It is a massive piece of history and we have the support of the whole nation. For Wales to be at the World Cup... it is the best thing you can do for your country, to grow football and inspire a generation. No matter what happens – as long as we give 100%, our country will love us for that.”
Manager Rob Page paid tribute to thousands of fans who had made the 3,300-mile trip from Wales.
“We have nothing but praise for the Red Wall,” he said. “They have played a massive part in helping us qualify for the World Cup.” Pals Rhys Thorndyke and Robat Huw, both 34, of Pennal, are among Wales fans in Qatar.
Stone mason Rhys said of the opening game against the US: “It will be one of the best days of my life other than the birth of my daughter.”
Marketing worker Robat joked that his childhood friend had just “popped out for a paper” to head to Qatar.
Rhys replied: “I would be homeless if I did! We travel home and away but we had to be here for the first game – it will be the experience of a lifetime.”