Gareth Bales’s Tottenham comments recently caused some angst among Spurs fans but the player has now sought to contextualise what he said. In further developments, Spanish outlet ABC reports that Real Madrid have advised the Welshman that his Madrid career is now at an end.
Putting Gareth Bale’s Tottenham Comments into Context
‘It Is Legally What I Have to Do’
Comments on social media were none too favourable after the Welshman stated his intent to return to Real Madrid after his loan spell at Spurs comes to an end in the summer. Bale had stated that he needed to get fit during his time with his former club and some took that to mean he had simply used the loan deal for his own purposes.
Bale has now put those comments into context: “Obviously, going into next season, legally my contract says I have to go back to Real Madrid, which is what I stated, which I don’t think is being disrespectful to anybody. That’s legally what I have to do.”
Bale is right in his assertion and some of the reaction to his comments were perhaps harsh and presumptive.
Now Real Madrid have entered the debate to give things another twist.
Bale’s Madrid Career Appears to be Over
Jonathan Barnett, Bale’s agent, has reportedly (Spanish paper ABC) been told that his client is no longer a part of Madrid’s future and he needs to be looking for a new permanent home for Bale. Bale is still under contract with the Spanish giants and can pick up a huge wage when he returns in the summer. But it seems likely that he will not be picking up any minutes on the pitch.
Bale still has plenty to offer on the world stage and it would make little sense for him to take wages over football but ultimately that decision will have to be made by the player himself.
Gareth Bale’s Tottenham Comments Unlikely to Put Daniel Levy Off
Real Madrid don’t want Bale, Bale doesn’t really want Madrid and with fans looking likely to return to stadiums next season, a second year at Spurs makes a lot of sense. He has shown flashes of his brilliance this season albeit brief ones. With a full Tottenham Hotspur stadium, he could be spurred onto have one last hurrah in North London.
Wages
Even paying just 40% of Bale’s wages has been costing Levy and Spurs around £250k every week and paying his full wages is not going to be a realistic option for Spurs but there is a rumoured option of a second season on loan should Spurs wish to take it. The idea was that this would happen providing Bale’s initial loan spell proved to be a success and it is hard to say that it has been that so far.
Spurs do still have the League Cup final at the end of April and Bale could yet be a significant part of the squad looking to bring the first trophy to Spurs in 13 years.
The top four battle is still ongoing, Tottenham’s last chance of qualifying for next seasons’ Champions League.
Tottenham and Bale’s Future
A second successive season not in the Champions League would be a massive blow to Spurs both on and off the pitch. The revenue the competition brings in is much needed with stadium debts still to pay and following a year of little income for the club. Tottenham’s short term future will have a huge effect on the long term future as the likes of Harry Kane have decisions to make over their Spurs careers.
Bale joining for another season could be a significant step for Tottenham and finally end Bale’s Real Madrid career once and for all.
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