Tottenham legend Glenn Hoddle has revealed his excitement at the idea of Gareth Bale returning to the club, although admits that he has some reservations.
During his time in North London, Bale managed an impressive 56 goals in 203 games, despite playing his early years as a left-back (transfermarkt).
Gareth Bale left Tottenham to become the most expensive player in the world back in 2013, joining up with European giants Real Madrid.
Few could argue with such a decision after the Welshman went on to lift four Champions League trophies with Los Blancos, including the club’s famous three in a row (transfermarkt).
However, reports now indicate that Bale is set to return to the Lilywhites this summer after seven years in Spain, with the winger currently in London to finalise the deal (BBC).
Hoddle, who played 377 games for Tottenham, scoring 88 goals (Spurs official), has labelled the Bale deal as a bold move from Daniel Levy, but believes that we will see a different Gareth in North London.
In an exclusive Zoom interview with SpursWeb ahead of BT Sport’s coverage of Southampton v Tottenham on Sunday, Hoddle told us: “I’m excited with a bit of reservation and keeping my fingers crossed.
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“I think it’s a really bold move from Daniel Levy and it’s one that Jose will be delighted with. One, because of the way Spurs and Jose wants to play is to counter-attack teams and I think that is right down Bale’s alley.
“I think we’ll see a slightly different Gareth Bale in a more experienced player. Not one that may go box to box with the ball and be as flying as he used to when he was at Tottenham.
“But, there is a big but, if Gareth was a Formula 1 car, he hasn’t had much on the clock in the last couple of years. He hasn’t played 80 games in the last two seasons. So, he’s got a little bit under the bonnet, he’s got a little bit of weight in there. It’s not like he’s knackered, he’s now just got to make sure that the engine is running full-on.
“The most important thing for Gareth Bale, for his second career at Tottenham, would be his manager and the medical staff. I think it’s such an important thing that they get Gareth, his engine, his body, in the right condition to go out and play. I think the playing side won’t be a problem but I’ve just got to keep my fingers crossed, and I think Daniel Levy’s hoping that as well, that he can just stay injury-free.”
Glenn was speaking to us as part of The BT Sport Monthly Pass which lets you watch BT Sport for a simple monthly fee of £25 with no contract. Customers can watch all BT Sport Premier League fixtures for the next 30 days including Southampton vs Spurs from 11.30am on Sunday 20th September. For more info visit bt.com/monthlypass
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