Tag: Gareth Bale

Gareth Bale equals David Beckham’s record with 116th Liga appearance

The two Madrid favourites have made an identical number of appearances in the Spanish top flight, although Bale holds the edge in their head-to-head

Gareth Bale has equalled a record previously held by David Beckham after appearing in his 116th La Liga game.

The Wales international, 28, started for Real Madrid against Espanyol in Tuesday’s clash.

And in doing so, he reached a mark that only Beckham had previously managed.

Bale now shares the record for the most Liga appearances made by a British player, which Beckham had previously set while also playing for Madrid in 2007.

The former Tottenham man moved to Madrid in 2013 in a world-record transfer, and in his first season scored in the Champions League final as the Merengues lifted the much sought-after Decima.

In total he has scored 61 goals in a Madrid shirt, compared to Beckham’s 13.

Bale also boasts a far more impressive win ratio than the ex-Manchester United idol, having finished on the winning side 79 times, 13 more than Beckham.

Source: www.goal.com

Man Utd-linked Bale still important to Real Madrid, says Zidane

The Welsh winger has long been linked with a Bernabeu exit, with Jose Mourinho’s side having previously been interested in signing him

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane insists Gareth Bale remains a valued member of his squad despite admitting to doubts over the forward’s durability.

Wales star Bale has only started one of Madrid’s last four competitive fixtures as speculation continues to surround his long-term future, with Manchester United often linked with signing him.

The 28-year-old, who has battled persistent calf and thigh problems this season, did complete 73 minutes in last weekend’s win at Real Betis, before being relegated back to the bench for the midweek trip to Leganes.

However, Zidane insists the former Tottenham man still has a part to play.

“He is an important player. He will always be an important player,” Zidane told reporters on Friday.

“He is training hard, working hard like the rest of my players.

“I want to see Gareth at 100 per cent. I do not want him to get injured again.

“We have got many games coming up and… I am sure Gareth will have an important part to play.

“Hopefully he will not get injured but you have got to be in tip top shape if you want to play every game.”

Los Blancos are on a six-game unbeaten run in LaLiga heading into Saturday’s visit from Alaves, scoring 26 goals in the process.

And Zidane praised his players for turning around their form after a terrible start to their title defence.

“I am proud of the team. Even when things have not quite gone to plan we have shown strong character,” he said.

“It is an impressive tally to have scored 26 goals in six games. We want to maintain this good run of form.”

Source: www.goal.com

Bale not leaving Real Madrid for Man Utd, says Giggs

The attacker has struggled with injury in recent years, but the Wales manager insists he still has a lot to offer the European champions

Ryan Giggs believes a move to Manchester United would be a good option for Gareth Bale, but the Wales manager insists the attacker has no desire to leave Real Madrid.

The 28-year-old winger has been heavily linked to Old Trafford in recent years, and his trouble with injuries in recent seasons has enhanced talk of him leaving the Santiago Bernabeu.

Ex-United and Wales star Giggs, however, insists Bale still has a lot to offer the Champions League holders, as well as his national team, and expects him to stay put for the time being.

“Bale is a great player, one of the best, and for us, as has been demonstrated in recent months, he is fundamental,” he told Marca.

“It’s clear that the team comes first, but in that team we need the best players and Bale is the best.

“Gareth is a player who unbalances opponents. When he has been able to demonstrate his quality at Real Madrid, he has shown that his style of football is fundamental to winning games.

“He’s happy at Real Madrid, he wants to stay, there’s no doubt. He knows that the coach and the club respect him, and he wants to show the fans what he is capable of.

“I don’t know [if United want to sign him], but Bale has no intention of leaving and Real Madrid won’t sell the player. It’s clear that United would’ve been very good for him, but I don’t think that’s an option at the moment, he’s not going to leave Real Madrid.”

Since his then-world-record move from Tottenham in 2013, Bale has won the league once, the Champions League three times and two Club World Cups at Madrid.

And, although Giggs feels he may be below the level of team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona star Lionel Messi, he sees him as potentially one of the best players around.

“Gareth works hard to be the best. I think that today Messi and Ronaldo are above the rest, as they have been demonstrating for the last 10 years.

“I think he has no limits because he’s at a great club and, if he can play regularly, he can reach the top.”

[Source: www.goal.com]