Following Gareth Bale’s retirement announcement (read here) I thought it be worthwhile taking a short walk down memory lane and looking back at some of his best moments while playing for the Lilywhites.
1) THAT night in Milan
Arguably one of the most iconic performances of all time, Bale single-handedly tore Inter Milan apart back in 2010. Inter Milan, who were reigning Champions League holders at the time, won on the night 4-3, with the Welshman grabbing all three of Tottenham’s goals. Bale’s display on the night is still giving Maicon nightmares to this day I believe, with Bale’s heroics practically ending Maicon’s career there and then. The Brazilian had been labelled as one of the world’s best right backs up until that night, but he was simply never the same player after facing the Welsh wizard.
Unforgettable Bale hat-trick ⚽️⚽️⚽️@GarethBale11 || #UCL pic.twitter.com/DZcqqcpbuM
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 9, 2023
2) Maicon’s funeral part 2
Only two weeks after Bale’s first bullying of Maicon – the two faced off again with the Spurs man getting the better of Maicon yet again but this time securing the victory for his side – providing two assists as Spurs were 3-1 victors. The victory is looked back on as one of Tottenham’s most famous European wins.
What a night at the Lane this was 🔥
— The Spurs Web (@thespursweb) January 9, 2023
3) Hammers Heartbreak
It is the 90th minute and your side needs a winner, who do you rely on? The answer to your question has to be Bale from the 2012/13 season. He seemed to score banger after banger this season and this was the best of the lot.
It simply has to be the best Tottenham goal I have ever witnessed – the timing, the execution and the skill involved just made for an absolutely outstanding goal – of course made better by the fact it was against the Hammers…
4) Breaking the curse
Scored at the start of Bale’s breakout season under Harry Redknapp, this sizzler of a volley back in 2010 actually ended a barren run of luck for Bale. As this goal actually secured Tottenham’s first win in 24 matches with Bale in the side. Bale would of course go on to soon rip up the San Siro just under two months later.
5) The RETURN
One of the most eagerly anticipated transfers in recent times saw Bale return to Spurs after seven years away, joining from Real Madrid on a season-long loan. One of the most underrated seasons I have witnessed in a while, Bale grabbed 19 goal contributions in 34 appearances, in what was a pretty miserable season for Spurs as a club.
Have your say on Bale’s time at Spurs, by visiting the VitalSpurs fan forum here