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Thứ Bảy, 12 tháng 9, 2015

Gareth Bale made a decision early in his career that has cost him millions of pounds to date

WHEN Gareth Bale was a teenager, all he wanted to be was a professional football player. While he’s anything but poor, he made a decision all those years ago that has cost him millions of pounds.
Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett said his star client’s call to pledge his allegiance to Wales instead of England has seen him lose the opportunity to add a hefty amount to his bank balance.
The Real Madrid star was eligible to represent England through his grandmother, even though he was born in Cardiff to Welsh parents.
Speaking at the Soccerex Convention in Manchester, Barnett revealed just how hostile a reaction he received when he floated the idea of the young gun one day wearing the Three Lions crest.
“When we first got together when he was 15, we talked about whether he was going to play for England or Wales. I nearly got my head bitten off by his dad, who is fanatically Welsh, and his mum,” said Barnett.
“He could have qualified through his grandmother and I tell you that it has cost him millions and millions of pounds. You can imagine what it would have been like if he were playing for England next summer in the Euros...but he does love playing for Wales.”
Bale has been busy trying to earn the love of Real Madrid supporters.
Bale has been busy trying to earn the love of Real Madrid supporters. Source: AP
Bale recently scored the winning goal for Wales in their clash against Cyprus as they look to qualify for the European Championships for the first time in their history.
They need just one point from their next two group matches to secure a place at the 2016 tournament.
On Bale’s attitude towards playing for his homeland, Barnett said: “It’s an obsession”.
“He loves playing for Wales more than anything in the world.”
Along with Ryan Giggs, Bale is one of Wales’ greatest footballing products and he has forged a successful career in Europe.
He began his journey at Southampton before cementing himself as one of the most valuable players in the English Premier League during his time at Tottenham.
His irresistible form was rewarded when Spanish giants Real Madrid signed the winger in 2013, where he impressed in his debut season despite a stuttering start due to injury, eventually helping the side win the Champions League.
His second season was less profitable, but his agent is adamant that being given a different role by new coach Rafael Benitez has the 26-year-old primed for a special campaign.
“Last season he didn’t get the ball that much and when he did it was slow. By the time he received it, there were already three men on him,” said Barnett.
“Now, he is not playing wide right, he is playing more centrally and that is going to suit him more and give him the sort of freedom he has with Wales. He enjoys that role because he was getting a little frustrated.”
The dynamic midfielder has netted 18 goals in 51 appearances for the national side since debuting in 2006.

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