Gareth Bale lands new job two years after ex-Real Madrid star's retirement
Bale retired in 2023 after a short stint with MLS side LAFC. His tenure at Real Madrid was a mix of spectacular performances and controversy, where he bagged five Champions Leagues, three La Ligas, three Club World Cups, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.
Despite his impressive haul at Madrid, Bale's contributions were often overlooked. However, on the international stage, the 35-year-old remains a hero to Welsh supporters, having guided Wales to three major tournaments, including the semi-finals of Euro 2016 and their first World Cup since 1958.
While Bale's prowess is well-known to Welsh fans, it was at Spurs where he first made his mark as a young player. The North London club holds a special place in his heart, with Bale making 237 appearances and scoring 71 goals across two spells at the club.
Bale was part of the last Spurs team to lift a trophy in the 2008 League Cup final. As he prepares to watch Wednesday's Europa League final, Bale will be hoping that Spurs can end their 17-year wait for silverware, reports Wales Online.
The 35-year-old will join Rio Ferdinand, Glenn Hoddle, and Paul Scholes in Bilbao for TNT Sports' coverage of the Europa League final, according to football.london. Since hanging up his boots, Bale has kept a low profile, only occasionally appearing as a pundit.
Earlier this season in November 2024, he was part of TNT Sports' team covering Liverpool's Champions League clash with Real Madrid. His appearances have been sporadic since then, and this marks his return to the screen.
The stakes are high for both Spurs and United. Both teams have had less than stellar Premier League campaigns, currently languishing in 17th and 16th place respectively ahead of the final.
The triumphant team will secure a place in next season's Champions League, which could significantly shape their transfer window plans.
Tottenham have managed just one win in their last 11 league matches, focusing their efforts on their European campaign. Postecoglou's side put in strong performances in their semi-final tie against Bodo/Glimt and have also knocked out Eintracht Frankfurt and AZ Alkmaar during the knockout stages.
United's journey to the final has been somewhat more dramatic. Ruben Amorim's team were on the brink of elimination by Lyon in the quarter-finals, before staging a remarkable comeback at Old Trafford, netting three goals in the last six minutes of extra time.
They then convincingly defeated Athletic Bilbao in the subsequent round, with an aggregate score of 7-1, setting the stage for a final clash with Spurs. Bale has a history of scoring in finals, having scored six goals in total throughout his career.
This includes a goal in the 2014 Champions League final and a double against Liverpool four years later. He will be hoping Postecoglou's team can lift the trophy, especially as his former Wales colleagues Ben Davies and Brennan Johnson are part of the Spurs squad.
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The Irish Sun
8 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Damien Duff was totally different at Shelbourne to what media thought – he helped boost my hopes of Premier League dream
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Shelbourne ace Greg Costello recalls feeling homesick after daunting move to QPR as a teen "I felt like that is what I wanted to be like on the pitch. "I knew myself that I wasn't going to be a winger or a striker , so I always looked at Busquets." Advertisement That's not to say that By the time Offor started playing for Balbriggan in 2014, the Argentinian had won six league titles, two Copa Del Reys, three Champions Leagues and four Ballon d'Ors. "I said I wanted to be a footballer. Since I wasn't able to be one, it is lovely to see my son following my dream." Mourice Offor, Raymond's dad His highlight reel was easily viewed on He added: "I did have a liking to Messi at first and, when I was younger, I was a lot smaller so I played on the right wing for a good while. Advertisement "I think I played a game while I was at Balbriggan. "I dropped back into centre-back and I remember all the parents applauding me. "If I was to pursue football, which I will, I will probably go for centre-back because it suits my build and my athleticism and all that." FAMILY GAME Motivation was never far away for Raymond at home. Advertisement His dad Mourice used to play football in his home country of Nigeria before he and his wife emigrated to Ukraine in 1997. After running a Russian language course for a few years, they moved to Ireland in 2003 and spent two years living in Mayo. The dad-of-four said: "I had that vision of finding myself there one day. "When I went to family would be in Ireland. Advertisement "I said before that it is the best decision I ever made in my life, to come to Ireland." He continued to play football in this time, including for a club in Cloonfad in Suffice to say, football played a significant role in how the cab driver raised his kids such that he can live vicariously through his youngest son. Mourice insisted: "I am a happy dad. 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Even over a professional debut. "I remember I was buzzing because even when I was playing for Balbriggan, I would see the likes of Andrew Omobamidele playing for Ireland at a young age and. to look at them, I would be like that is what I wanted to do." Advertisement Offor is one of a number of stories of talented youngsters coming through the Shelbourne and The work put into his progression will be documented in the new Football Families series, the first episode of which will air on Since his Ireland debut, Offor has gone from strength to strength and, on July 19, made his senior Shels debut in the 4-0 win over Fairview Rangers in the FAI Cup. He has been on the bench for League of Ireland games and the home legs against Linfield and Qarabag in the Champions Leagues. Advertisement With teeth into the highest level of the game having relished the appetiser. 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The Irish Sun
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England star slams ‘low life' burglars who robbed London home and took off with valuables as he shares shock footage
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The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Roisin Molloy shines with two goals and an assist as Athlone Town make dream start to Champions League vs Cardiff City
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