Player Watch: Gareth Bale - Retires

[olliec]

Please don't take this as me being pedantic, it's not my intention. But I really thought about his words yesterday and he said "I know what I'm doing". So it was neither where he is going or where he will be.

To me, as radical as it may seem and as some have suggested, it could appear that he is thinking about hanging his boots up. The "causing chaos" line would possibly add to that idea.

I hope to God that I'm wrong and that he does stay with us because he is still an immense talent and it was an amazing feeling to get him back again. I think it's actually criminal the way José treated him as by wasting his obvious talent this season, he deprived us of our best chance of a top 4 finish in my opinion. Bale's stats clearly back that up.

He’s way too good still to be thinking hanging his boots up!

 

[dickieven]

He’s way too good still to be thinking hanging his boots up!

Agree, and as others have said there is a world cup next year. He will want to play in that for Wales. So there seems no way he will retire now.

 

[Kingellesar]

Yeah if Wales qualify for the world cup, there is no chance he would miss that. I imagine he would think about retiring after that though.

 

[waresy]

Probably nothing in it but you can buy the new kit with Bale 9

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I'd hold fire on that and Kane 10 just for the moment

 

[spursfan77]

Theoretically he should be better next season even though a year older as he’s just had a proper season with us building up his fitness again.

I want him to stay. I don’t see where we get that goal/assist return for the amount it would cost to get an equivalent player. If money is at a premium getting him to stay is necessary. Whether he’d want to if Kane goes is a different matter. I suspect he was, he’d love the adoration of a season with a full stadium of fans cheering him on, especially if it’s his last as a player.

 

[CoopsieDeadpool]

It really could be retirement. What else would cause "chaos". Going back to Madrid or coming back to us wouldn't cause any chaos, but playing the last tournament for Wales could.

I've seen a fair few suggesting retirement.

But firstly, why would that cause chaos?

And secondly, why would he retire this summer when he's still got 12 months of a £600k p/w left to pick up, whether that be at THFC or on a golf course in sunny Spain?

 

[CoopsieDeadpool]

Retirement must be the only thing you can rule out surely? He’s got a year left on a 600k a week contract, why would he retire without picking it up?

Well aren't you just a ****

 

[WalkerboyUK]

In his interview he said "I know where I'll be" next season not I know where I'm going.
I'm sure we'd have heard of any likely negotiations with other clubs if that was on the cards so you have to think he's talking about Madrid or Spurs. The only other option may be China or MLS but their seasons don't synchronise with his international wishes, he's got the Euro's this summer but people forget about the world cup next year and he's going to want to be up to snuff for that.

No-one goes to China anymore as the league brought in new rules regarding the wages.

 

[Guernman]

A Bale announcement that will cause chaos? The mind boggles...

Perhaps he is going to be announced as player/manager at Madrid

 

[Spurs_Bear]

Well aren't you just a ****

Yes, and not just for that reason

 

[agrdavidsfan]

The rumour of him joining Beckham's team isn't going away, but I think he has struggled with the pace of the league and he knows his body and maybe he will be honest with the club and say his body can't do it.

 

[Gbspurs]

The rumour of him joining Beckham's team isn't going away, but I think he has struggled with the pace of the league and he knows his body and maybe he will be honest with the club and say his body can't do it.

I agree with this. Ultimately if Bale takes a look at himself and thinks he isn't up for it then we have to respect that. If he doesn't stay with us and goes to a similar team elsewhere I'll be pissed right off.

 

[MR_BEN]

He’s only gone and signed for Hope United ?

 

[Partizan]

He’s only gone and signed for Hope United ? View attachment 87968

Ok he's now dead to me

 

[Wheeler Dealer]

A Bale announcement that will cause chaos? The mind boggles...

Perhaps he is going to be announced as player/manager at Madrid

Maybe he's off to the Gooners

 

[ssamme]

Maybe he's off to the Gooners

Going to Cardiff, would cause chaos there and pretty sure there would be rioting in Swansea as well, oh wait....

 

[Shadydan]

He’s only gone and signed for Hope United ?

Bet they win a trophy before us.

 

[ljinko888]

His final goal return for the season is pretty good. I hope we get him again for next season and this time with much better fitness and an attacking manager he can start off the new season how he finished this one. Playing more down the middle got the best out of him.

 

[Kiedis]

I've really enjoyed watching him this season. So much quality still, and I think he's even enchanced his legacy with us.

 

[worcestersauce]

The rumour of him joining Beckham's team isn't going away, but I think he has struggled with the pace of the league and he knows his body and maybe he will be honest with the club and say his body can't do it.

I'm not sure his stats this season point to him not being able to do it.