Gareth Bale retired (2 Viewers)

[shmmeee]

Hardly surprising. He’s basically retired before the World Cup anyway but kept getting on the pitch.

 

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[NorthernWisdom]

Ridiculous to say in many ways given the amount of honours he's won, but in many ways a wasted career in later years. Could have been one of the true greats.

 

[Sick Boy]

Ridiculous to say in many ways given the amount of honours he's won, but in many ways a wasted career in later years. Could have been one of the true greats.

The stuff with him and Real was a bit weird.

 

[Otis]

He retired during the world cup didn't he?

 

[no_loyalty]

He retired during the world cup didn't he?

Yes, along with Ramsey.

 

[Terry Gibson's perm]

In his middle years he was untouchable a fantastic player.

 

[alexccfc99]

He was effectively already in club retirement and was only really hanging around to play for his country at a World Cup - Would have been a lot sooner had Wales not made it to Qatar

World class in his final 3 seasons at Spurs and first few in Spain, however I feel both parties could have been a lot more mature in the end of his time in Madrid

 

[bringbackrattles]

On Five Live they are saying : " is he the best British player to have ever played abroad ? "

 

[Skybluefaz]

On Five Live they are saying : " is he the best British player to have ever played abroad ? "

Hard to argue against it

 

[alexccfc99]

Remember that cup game at the old White Hart Lane? Poor old Edjenguele couldn’t get anywhere near him

 

[bringbackrattles]

Hard to argue against it

But as it went on it turned into ' He's the best British player ever.' That's some statement to make.

 

[clint van damme]

But as it went on it turned into ' He's the best British player ever.' That's some statement to make.

He's certainly won more European cups/Championship leagues than any one else from here.

 

[bringbackrattles]

He's certainly won more European cups/Championship leagues than any one else from here.

They read out his record on air and it is impressive.

 

[HuckerbyDublinWhelan]

Remember that cup game at the old White Hart Lane? Poor old Edjenguele couldn’t get anywhere near him

Distinctly remember him tormenting Jordan Clarke aswell

 

[Otis]

Distinctly remember him tormenting Jordan Clarke aswell

Who didn't?

 

[ProfessorbyGrace]

Personally, I think it’s the right move, as he’s been a shadow of his former self for years now. At the World Cup he was a passenger, and I felt that about Ramsey too.

In his prime though, he was generally unplayable. What a player he was.

Not proud of my Welsh heritage this week though, bastard Wrexham.

 

[shmmeee]

Said it before but still the best performance I’ve seen live when he was a kid at Soton. So rare to see a player that is clearly miles above everyone else at that age. Do wonder what happened. Just too much too quick and lost his passion do we think?

 

[ProfessorbyGrace]

Said it before but still the best performance I’ve seen live when he was a kid at Soton. So rare to see a player that is clearly miles above everyone else at that age. Do wonder what happened. Just too much too quick and lost his passion do we think?

Could be, yes. He hit his peak early, similar to Michael Owen.

 

[Grendel]

Said it before but still the best performance I’ve seen live when he was a kid at Soton. So rare to see a player that is clearly miles above everyone else at that age. Do wonder what happened. Just too much too quick and lost his passion do we think?

length of match time takes its toll

 

[NorthernWisdom]

Taking up a new career?

Pebble Beach Pro-Am: Justin Rose wins pro event as Gareth Bale finishes in top 20 of amateurs

Justin Rose secures his first PGA Tour win in four years with victory in the Pebble Beach Pro-Am in California.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

Hard to argue against it

David Beckham?

 

[Skybluefaz]

David Beckham?

He's in the conversation for sure. I'd argue Bale's contribution in Champions League finals elevates him above Beckham.

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

He's in the conversation for sure. I'd argue Bale's contribution in Champions League finals elevates him above Beckham.

Beckham stayed at the top level for longer and his trophy list is pretty strong too. I’d say he edges Bale, but both of course brilliant players

 

[Grendel]

John Charles was regarded as a pioneering footballer in his day winning 3 league titles with Juventus

 

[Skybluefaz]

Beckham stayed at the top level for longer and his trophy list is pretty strong too. I’d say he edges Bale, but both of course brilliant players

Yep, totally valid.

 

[Skybluefaz]

John Charles was regarded as a pioneering footballer in his day winning 3 league titles with Juventus

Seems like lot of the older generation really think Charles was the best. I can't recall even seeing highlight footage of him but like you say, doing what he did was groundbreaking.