Tottenham’s Joe Rodon confirms something about Bale most predict
By Gary Pearson
As Wales make their final preparations for Euro 2020, Tottenham’s Joe Rodon said there is no way national and club teammate Gareth Bale will retire this year.
Speculation about Bale’s future is ramping up as Wales prepare for Switzerland in their opening match of Euro 2020. Bale recently said he has news about his future but will not divulge it, for fear of “chaos”, until the culmination of Euro 2020.
Rodon’s assured, unequivocal statement about Bale confirms what many predict about the Welshman’s future.
This is what Rodon said to Sky Sports:
"“No chance [he will retire],” Rodon told Sky Sports ahead of their friendly with France. “It’s all on Gareth and I’ve got nothing to do with that, but none of us at Wales want him anywhere near retirement.“We want him for as long as possible.”"
He almost certainly won’t hang up his boots for at least another season, though the Mirror believes ardently that a return to Tottenham is highly unlikely.
His failing health is a massive cause for concern at Spurs, who knew exactly what they were getting into when they secured his return to Hotspur Way. Bale was injured when he signed on the dotted line, marking his well anticipated second stint at Spurs.
The 31-year-old returned to fitness in the latter stages of the season, which resulted in an immediate, and significant improvement in form. Ten of his 11 top flight goals came after the turn of the season’s halfway mark, a direct reflection of his return to fitness.
Though the Mirror suggests he was still only able to train a maximum of three times each week.
However, Bale was the most prolific goalscorer in Europe in terms of goal-per-minute return, a stat that showcases his periodic offensive outbursts.
He can still contribute at the top level, but that might not be enough, considering his continuously degrading fitness, to keep him at Spurs for what would be his swan song, not just in the Premier League, but in football altogether.