Tottenham supporters will be delighted by Gareth Bale’s latest comments about the Europa League final.
That unforgettable night in Bilbao will stay with Tottenham Hotspur supporters for years, as Ange Postecoglou and his side finally ended the club’s 17-year wait for a trophy. The triumph was even more satisfying given it capped off a miserable Premier League season in which Spurs finished 17th.
Gareth Bale, working as a pundit for TNT Sports at San Mames for the final, has now opened up about his decision to make the trip.
Gareth Bale says he would have travelled to Tottenham’s Europa League final as a fan
After Spurs’ 1-0 win over Manchester United sealed the title, Bale delivered several memorable lines on air. During the broadcast, the club icon joked that things might now be turning “United-y”, a playful dig at the “Spursy” label often thrown around before the match.
The 36-year-old has now revealed that—even without his punditry role—he would have gone to the final simply as a supporter. Speaking to GQ about his work that night, Bale said: “[Laughs] It was probably the worst football match I’ve ever watched – one of those games where nobody really remembers the play, just the score and who won the trophy. I’d have gone there as a fan anyway, but it was great to see [Spurs] win.”
Bale says time away from the sport renewed his passion for football
Fans will now see more of the former Spurs winger on television, with Bale joining TNT Sports as a regular contributor and taking on occasional duties with CBS Sports Golazo.
The Tottenham legend explained that stepping back from the game has helped him rediscover his enthusiasm for it. Asked whether returning to football media was part of his plan after retiring, Bale replied: “When you retire so young, it’s rare to know exactly what you want next. I knew I needed a couple of years away from football to clear my mind.
“I always told myself I wanted to try different things—if I enjoyed them, great, and if not, at least I’d have given them a go. Taking that break from the environment was important; it helped me get my passion for the game back. I feel like I can look at everything with fresh eyes now.
