“Overrated” Gareth Bale was left out of the conversation for the best British player of all time and three current Premier League players have been named as better than him.
Bale impressed during his first spell at Tottenham and was named PFA Players’ Player of the Year twice before his sensational move to Real Madrid.
Following his then-world-record £85.3m move to Spain in 2013, Bale continued to excel at Madrid and added long-awaited silverware to his trophy cabinet.
The 33-year-old Welsh winger lifted three La Liga titles, five Champions Leagues and a Copa del Rey before he left Los Blancos in 2022.
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Bale, who represented Wales at two European Championships and a World Cup, officially announced his retirement from professional football earlier this week.
The former Spurs and Madrid star has been hailed by some fans, pundits and commentators as one of the best British players of all time.
However, one fan disagreed with Bale’s status as the so-called GOAT British player and branded the former Wales international as “overrated.”
ESPN took to the streets after Bale’s retirement and asked fans whether the ex-Wales captain is the best British player of all time.
A fan responded to the aforementioned question by claiming the likes of Arsenal starlet Bukayo Saka and Manchester City duo Phil Foden and Jack Grealish are better than Bale.
“No. Who’s up there? There’s so many. Even Foden nowadays, brilliant player,” he said.
“Jack Grealish, brilliant player, give lots to the game. I just think Gareth Bale, he’s overrated. To be honest, I mean that sincerely, you know?
“Saka, another brilliant player for Arsenal propping them up. They’re top of the [Premier League], you know what I mean? So that’s my honest opinion.”
Bale returned to Tottenham on loan for a second spell during his time at Madrid, with the Welshman later leaving the Spanish capital in 2022.
The five-time Champions League winner signed for Los Angeles FC and made 14 appearances for the MLS outfit before retiring.
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“After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football,” Bale said.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to have realised my dream of playing the sport I love.”
He added: “It [football] has truly given me some of the best moments of my life.
“The highest of highs over 17 seasons, that will be impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter has in store for me.”
Topics: Gareth Bale, Bukayo Saka, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Football
Adnan Riaz