Following Real Madrid’s Champions League victory over Liverpool, Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard paid special tribute to Gareth Bale.
The Wales international was an unused substitute in Carlo Ancelotti’s 1-0 victory over Liverpool in Paris. Bale, on the other hand, won his fifth winner’s medal of the competition in this match.
Bale’s Real Madrid career has officially ended with the end of the 2021/22 club season, and the 32-year-old is now focusing solely on Wales’ five June matches.
And after the European final at Stade de France, Manchester United legend Ferdinand said Bale can be immensely proud of his impact across his nine years in the Spanish capital.
“Gareth Bale, I think he’s got to get a mention as well,” the former defender said on BT Sport. “Five Champions Leagues. He’s not leaving on fantastic terms with the fans, but he’s played a part in the history of this football club.
“There’s not many more people that can say they’ve had bigger influences and impacts in games and big stages like this.”
Ferdinand’s former England team-mate Gerrard also praised Bale for his successes at Real Madrid, adding that he was disappointed the Welshman did not get the chance to feature in the showpiece final.
“It’s a shame that he doesn’t get the appreciation he deserves in terms of the contribution over that period and what he’s going to go away with in terms of his CV,” said the Aston Villa boss. “It’s a shame that he never got a chance to come on to the pitch tonight. In time and in years to come, he’ll look back and think ‘I’ve won this five times’. No-one can say anything towards him.”
