Paul Scholes: You have to admire Gareth Bale’s efforts for club and country

Welshman has really taken to life in Spain

Gareth Bale (Getty Images)

In his latest column for The Independent, Paul Scholes talks about Gareth Bale...

Contrary to popular myth, I did not have that many offers to play abroad when I was at Manchester United. I only ever had one phone call. It was after Euro 2000 from an agent who represented Internazionale.

When he told me the wages on offer I felt quite giddy. Then I came to my senses, said “No” to him and never heard any more.

I have to admire the way that Gareth Bale has taken to life at Real Madrid. I watched him in the 5-0 win over Athletic Bilbao and they were breathtaking.

I am sure that he will eventually inherit Ronaldo’s mantle as the club’s leading goalscorer. In the meantime, it was good to see how much it meant to Bale to play for Wales this week.