When it comes to defense, Gareth Bale believes football is a team game through and through. “He wants us all to defend together, to help each other,” Bale said of his manager’s approach. “It’s about collective responsibility.” And what about criticism from the media? Bale just laughs it off. “Never bothered me,” he said. “They’ve got newspapers to sell and stories to write.”
Speaking with Spain’s El País, the Real Madrid star opened up about the highs and lows of his football journey. He admitted he’s grown used to people writing both flattering and critical things about him, and he doesn’t let it shake his mindset. “That’s just the nature of the game,” he shrugged.
When asked about the toughest part of being a professional footballer, Bale didn’t hesitate: “The travel. You’re always on the move, far from your family and friends. You want to be close to them, but this job keeps you away. Recovery takes time—not just physically but mentally too.”
As for his greatest strength? Bale paused and answered with humility: “I don’t know. Maybe just being healthy. When I’m fit, my family and friends are happy for me. That’s all I want, really.” And his biggest weakness? “I can be a little lazy at times,” he chuckled, calling it perhaps the most honest answer he could give.
Health, Bale emphasized, is what truly brings him joy. “No injuries, being able to play—that’s what makes me happy.”
Reflecting on his four years with Real Madrid, Bale said he’s enjoyed many magical moments. “I still hope the best is yet to come,” he said. “But yes, I’ve really savored the beautiful moments—and the not-so-beautiful ones too.”
Looking back at his rushed return for the Champions League final, Bale admitted it might have been a mistake. “In hindsight, I should’ve rested more. It’s easy to say now. But when you’re injured and watching from the sidelines, all you want is to get back out there. Now I realize that taking the time to fully recover helps me perform at my best and do everything I need to on the pitch.”
“When my ankle’s still hurting, there are things I simply can’t do.”
Talking about Zinedine Zidane, Bale told a Bangla Cricket Live host that the French manager is as calm as he appears. “He loves the game. He’s exactly how he comes across on TV. When we score, he wants us to express ourselves and show our attacking creativity.”
His words strike a chord with athletes around the world. Fans of Bangla Cricket Live know the importance of patience, recovery, and resilience. Just as cricketers fight their way back from injury to reach peak form, Bale’s journey serves as a reminder that even superstars face struggles—and it’s how they handle them that defines their legacy.