Gareth Bale has been given the recognition he most definitely deserves by Real Madrid after being included in the ‘Legends’ section on their website.
Bale spent nine seasons at Los Blancos after making a £85.1 million move from Spurs in 2013, winning five Champions Leagues, three La Liga titles, three UEFA Super Cups and three FIFA Club World Cups.
The former Spurs man scored 106 goals in 258 appearances for the club and notched important goals in the 2014 and 2018 Champions League finals, as well as the winner in the Copa Del Rey final.
But things did turn sour in recent times and Bale did have a tough time with the media in Spain as well as his own fans getting on his back, even jeering him during games.
Unlike departing captain Marcelo, who got a special send-off arranged, the Welshman did not get his own ceremony after announcing he was leaving Real in an emotional letter.
However, after lifting a total of 16 trophires, he did at least receive a standing ovation at Real’s Champions League celebrations at the Santiago Bernabeu.
And in another fitting gesture, Real have quite rightly listed Bale as a legend. On the official website, the 32-year-old’s profile is alongside Alvaro Arbeloa, Angel Atienza and Juan Begur.
Marcelo and Isco have also had the same honour bestowed upon them but the inclusion of Bale is particularly noteworthy given how his rapport with the fanbase became fractured.
After guiding Wales to the World Cup in Qatar, Bale is now searching for a new club and has been linked with a whole array of clubs.
It was that he could remain in La Liga after being offered to Getafe but Bale himself has ruled out that move.
Rumours of a switch to hometown club Cardiff City continue to swirl, while Aston Villa and Newcastle United are both said to be interested.
Speaking earlier this week about his future, Bale explained: “I can’t really say. I haven’t really looked at everything yet. I have options. I don’t have a timescale.
“I know possible destinations but it’s something I need to sit down, first and foremost with my family, and then I need to speak with managers and physios and decide what the best move is for me, my family and my kids.”
