Chris Waddle claims body language shown by Spurs star does not excite him

Former Tottenham Hotspur winger Chris Waddle has claimed that Gareth Bale’s body language has not impressed him.

Waddle admitted that he understands why Real Madrid have become frustrated with the Welsh international who returned to North London on a season long loan deal in the summer.

Bale revealed after linking up for international duty with Wales ahead of their World Cup qualifier away to Belgium that it is his intention to return to the Spanish giants in the summer, which could signal the prospect of the 31-year-old not returning to North London for the 2021/2022 campaign (BBC).

Waddle suggested that the injuries that Bale has suffered in recent years may have taken a toll on his mental wellbeing and believes that the player does not give the best impression while he is warming up or coming on or off the pitch.

Bale has played 25 matches in all competitions for Spurs this season, scoring ten goals and providing three assists (transfermarkt).

Waddle told BBC Radio 5 Live Sport: “He’s had a lot of injuries,”

“I am not saying he’s had anything major. But a lot of niggly injuries for the last two or three years and I don’t think he has ever got back to that rhythm.

“And I can see why Real Madrid became fed up with him because he didn’t seem to rush to want to get back.

“Even when you watch his body language now. He had a little spell at Tottenham, okay it was the Europa League and some other games, but he’s not really come back on the scene where you have thought ‘wow’.

“He’s 31, not 34, 35 or 36. Whether mentally those injuries have taken their toll. Whether mentally he’s thinking ‘do I really need this?’. His body language doesn’t excite us when he’s warming up or coming on or off the field.”