Real Madrid star Gareth Bale brutally shot down the idea of representing England ahead of “special” Wales, according to his agent.
The 32-year-old winger represented Wales during their scintillating Euro 2016 run, which ended in a 2-0 defeat to eventual winners Portugal.
Bale was selected as captain for Wales during their Euro 2020 campaign in the summer, with the Dragons knocked out at the round-of-16 stage by Denmark.
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The Wales skipper ruled out retirement after Euro 2020 and remains an important part of his country’s ambitions to book their place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Bale could reach a huge milestone on Saturday by making his 100th international appearance for Wales.
According to Diario AS, Jonathan Barnett described Bale as a “fanatical Welshman” and how he told him how “special” Wales was when he met him.
Bale’s agent said: “If he gets to the World Cup with Wales, I think that will be his crowning glory.
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“From the first day I met him and his father, he said to us how special Wales was.
“When we spoke to him, he had the possibility to play for England. He said, ‘Never say that again if you want to be my agent!’ He is a fanatical Welshman.”
Bale has made three appearances and scored once for Madrid this season, but the Welshman has been sidelined since tearing his hamstring in September.
The former Tottenham star could follow in the footsteps of Chris Gunter by becoming only the second player to earn his 100th cap for Wales.
Wayne Hennessey has admitted that it would be “amazing” to see Wales teammate Bale make his 100th appearance for Wales.
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“He’s looking very well,” he said. “He’s in good shape, he’s smiling and laughing -- and when you get Gaz like that, he’s fantastic to be around.
“He looks after himself very well. He’s always in the gym doing stuff and keeping up on his fitness.
“He’s very particular what he eats. He looks after his body and is in good shape.
“What he can do on a football field is absolutely amazing. Everyone knows his talent but he’s a special guy and a special person. He’s down to earth and fame will never change him.
“He’s a fantastic leader, a leader we’ve enjoyed, and who can hopefully keep leading us.
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“People don’t see that side of him, when he’s in the dressing room. He’s vocal, he has got a fantastic football brain and he’s played at the highest level.”
Wales will host Belarus at the Cardiff City Stadium for their World Cup qualifying match on Saturday.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Gareth Bale, Wales, England, Football