GARETH BALE was not fit for Sunday’s El Clasico — but is ready for Wales’ World Cup play-off with Austria on Thursday.
The Real Madrid star came under fire in Spain as his return was dubbed ‘The Miracle of Wales’.
Gareth Bale has declared himself fit for Wales’ World Cup qualifying play-off Credit: Getty Another paper had the headline, ‘It doesn’t hurt any more’.
Bale’s late withdrawal from the 4-0 hammering at the hands of Barcelona due to a mystery ‘niggle’ has left many scratching their heads.
Reports in Spain yesterday suggested Real president Florentino Perez has even told boss Carlo Ancelotti not to play Bale in the final few weeks of his contract at the Bernabeu.
But Bale, 32, has refused to be drawn on the exact nature of his injury ahead of a blockbuster play-off semi-final in Cardiff.
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Bale one of THREE Wales stars wrapped in cotton wool for massive play-off He said: “I don’t need to clarify. I don’t need to tell anyone what was up — I don’t need to give anyone anything to use against me.
“But everything is fine now, I have no issues.
“It’s normal to have niggles now and again but I’ve been training for the last two months.”
Ex-Tottenham ace Bale has played 77 MINUTES of club football since November, when he won his 100th cap.
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Bale added: “I’m in better shape than last time, when I’d been out for about three months.
“So I’m ready to play — and we will give it everything we can.”
Bale has four Champions League titles, two LaLiga winner’s medals, plus domestic cups, Super Cups and World Club Cups on his CV.
Yet leading the Dragons to the finals of a World Cup is something he has always dreamed about — and tonight he can take them to the brink in a game he describes as one of the biggest of his career.
The Welshman was slammed in Spain after being ruled out from El Clasico Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk Bale said: “For sure it will be one of the biggest games I’ve played in.
“Qualifying for a World Cup is something I want to achieve and the fans, the country. It’s definitely a massive game.
“I remember loving watching the tournament, Brazilian Ronaldo, Samba football, they were probably my first memories.
“It’s a dream come true for everyone to play in a World Cup.
Bale is determined to get Wales into the 2022 World Cup in Qatar Credit: Alamy “To do it for Wales would be an incredible achievement.
“I wouldn’t say it would be a regret if I didn’t play in a World Cup as it’s not really in my hands but it’s something I would love to achieve.
“It’s been a long time. It will only be a regret if we don’t give 100 per cent. Don’t leave anything in the tank.
“Once you’ve done that there won’t be regrets, regardless of the result.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
