Gareth Bale storms off following Wales’ Euro 2020 exit after being asked if he will retire

The Real Madrid forward ended a post-match press-conference after Denmark thrashed the Dragons 4-0 in Amsterdam

Jack Rathborn
Saturday 26 June 2021 19:51 BST
Comments
Gareth Bale apologises in Wales’ post-match huddle after missing penalty

Gareth Bale stormed off after a post-match interview following Wales’ Euro 2020 exit after being asked if he will retire.

Robert Page’s side were thoroughly outclassed in a 4-0 loss to Denmark in the round of 16 tie in Amsterdam.

The Real Madrid forward spoke candidly about his country’s disappointing end to the tournament at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.

But the 31-year-old then took exception, a reporter asked: “I know you were asked yesterday if this would be your last game for Wales and you said you'd want another one...”

Bale was then seen walking off camera, ending the interview to leave further doubt over his future.

Bale, who has 96 caps for his country and one more year on his contract at the Bernabeu, claimed the referee was influenced by the crowd, which was dominated by Danish supporters.

“I think the referee is being influenced by the crowd here, but it is what it is,” Bale told BBC Sport.

“There is no point in making excuses now, it is done. It is disappointing, that is all I can say.

“It was not how we wanted the game to go. We started very well for the first 25 minutes, but conceded a goal and the game changed a little bit.

“We came out second half trying to play and unfortunately made a mistake to concede the (second) goal which I guess killed the momentum on our side.

“Obviously to finish the game how we did is disappointing.

“The boys are frustrated and angry, it is understandable, and I would rather us go out like that, kicking and screaming than laying off and doing nothing.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in