Gareth Bale has cheekily addressed his critics from his Real Madrid days while reflecting on life post-retirement.
The Welshman, who hung up his boots in 2023 after a storied career that included five Champions League titles and three La Liga crowns, revealed that he’s finally indulging his passion for golf — without the controversy that surrounded it during his playing days.
Bale Revels In Retirement and Golf
Speaking as a pundit for TNT Sports during Liverpool’s clash with Real Madrid at Anfield, Bale expressed his contentment with retirement.
“I’m loving it!” he said. “I’m actually getting to play golf now instead of people writing about it!”
The dig is a clear reference to his critics in Spain, who often accused the former Tottenham and Real Madrid winger of prioritising golf over his commitment to the club.
The media frenzy surrounding Bale’s love for the sport even led to the infamous “Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order” banner, waved by fans during international duty with Wales.
Continuing to describe his post-football life, Bale said, “It’s been fun to spend time with my kids, because when you’re playing, you’re constantly travelling, playing, preparing, tired, sleeping in different rooms. So just being there for them, really, and having some family time.”
Now with time to enjoy his hobbies, including perfecting his golf game, Bale is rumoured to have the potential to reach a scratch handicap of zero — a claim endorsed by golfing great Rory McIlroy.
“I’m actually getting to play golf now, rather than people writing about it.” 🤣
Gareth Bale is enjoying life after football 🤩
🎙 @laura_woodsy | 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/q7w5lbhFnA
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 27, 2024
Bale’s Real Madrid Legacy
Though his time at Real Madrid was marked by tensions and media scrutiny, Bale’s contributions to the Spanish giants were undeniable.
From his iconic solo goal in the 2014 Copa del Rey final to his unforgettable overhead kick in the 2018 Champions League final against Liverpool, Bale cemented his place among the club’s legends.
Returning to Anfield as a pundit, Bale revisited the team he dealt a crushing blow against with his stunning bicycle kick goal against the Reds.
Meanwhile, Bale’s former club is focused on maintaining their dominance in Europe. Real Madrid are looking to assert their Champions League-winning credentials against Arne Slot’s side.
