Did Gareth Bale retire too early? — Harry Redknapp gives his verdict

On January 9, following an incredible career, Gareth Bale decided to hang up the boots. But his former boss has questioned whether that was the right call.

In a remarkable 17-year run, the forward cemented his legacy as the greatest Welsh player in football history. With pace, power and an outrageous footballing IQ, Bale set the world alight at Tottenham Hotspur, before signing a record £85.3 million deal with Real Madrid, where he continued to prove his class.

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During his time at the Bernabeu, the legend won three La Liga titles and five Champions Leagues, scoring a spellbinding bicycle kick against Liverpool in the 2018 final.

Following the end of his time in Spain, he signed with LAFC, bagging the winning goal against Philadelphia in the final of the MLS Cup. But after his nation plummeted out of the World Cup, he surprised fans by announcing his journey had come to an end. But did he still have something left in the tank? His old gaffer sure seems to think so.

Read: Harry Redknapp reveals whether Arsenal can win the Premier league (sporf.com)

Harry Redknapp talks Gareth Bale retirement

During a discussion with Reece Mennie on his podcast, Redknapp said: “Oh absolutely, I’m surprised Gareth packed up. I even thought when he came back to Tottenham a couple of years ago that he had a lot more to offer, but he didn’t get the opportunities. Mourinho didn’t seem to pick him very often, but then went Mourinho left at the end of the season, he suddenly scored a couple at Leicester and had a great run of scoring.”

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Reminiscing over the icon’s sensational career, the 75-year-old reflected on developing Bale into the player he became.

The ex-manager recalled: “He was a great left back, and he would have gone on to become the best left back in the world, but he became the best left winger in the world! He had everything. He had that ability; he was unplayable. Bale could pick it up and run 80 yards with it; he could shoot, he could head it, he could do absolutely everything. You couldn’t believe the size of him! He’s 6’3, shoulders out here, and he’s just a powerhouse. He had everything.”

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