One Tottenham Hotspur rumour that needs to be squashed

The rumours of Gareth Bale’s potential return need to be squashed, as there’s no chance the Welshman will return to Tottenham for a third stint. 

Bale’s contract comes to an end with the Galacticos at the end of this season, spearheading speculation about the legendary player’s desire to complete some unfinished business in north London. The notion is full of fanciful reverie. And while your heart might say yes, your head should definitely be saying no. An unequivocal no.

And that’s what Antonio Conte will say to these rumours. There was a strong argument for retaining Bale’s services at the end of last campaign. While Bale wasn’t prolific throughout the season, he bagged goals in bunches and scored some important ones to boot. Bale bagged 11 Premier League goals in 20 appearances.

He picked up momentum — after struggling with fitness early — and finished the season on a high, scoring the goal that secured Tottenham’s place in this season’s European Conference League.

However, Bale’s chances of returning to north London disappeared when he rejoined Real Madrid in preparation for the current campaign. After starting the first three matches of the La Liga season, Bale went down with a knee injury that he is just now recovering from. Plagued by repetitively debilitating injuries, Bale distinctly belies the prototypical player Conte requires for his philosophy to succeed.

Conte probably wouldn’t commit to Bale even if the Welshman could sustain full fitness levels. The Italian’s system is not compatible with players who aren’t in top physical shape. Conte requires his players, through a relentless press and high-energy brand of football, to continuously  push the tempo.

Bale, no matter how much nostalgia clouds the water, isn’t cut out to meet the rigours and demands Conte has of his players.

Though I wish it was different, Bale’s playing career in north London ended with his brace against Leicester on the final day of the 2020-2021 season.

While it wasn’t the fairytale homecoming Tottenham supporters desired, at least the Welshman finished his Lilywhites’ career the way he started it; with flair and a sublime finishing touch.