Graeme Souness hit out at Gareth Bale’s playing career during ITV’s broadcast of the World Cup this afternoon.
Bale has already hit the headlines for Wales this tournament as his 82nd minute penalty salvaged a draw for his country against the United States on Monday night.
The 33-year old moved to the MLS this summer to sign for LAFC after spending nine years at Real Madrid, for whom he made 258 appearances.
However, former defender Souness believes that Bale should still be at a top club despite his performances faltering towards the back end of his Madrid career.
"His last couple of years at Real Madrid were a joke for someone of that quality" 😬
Graeme Souness believes Gareth Bale should still be playing for a big club#ITVFootball | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/1fnajNm2b5
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) November 24, 2022
“He’s a mystery for me, Gareth Bale. At 33, he maybe shouldn’t still be at Real Madrid, but we talk about players having longevity now because of the science that’s involved and keeping players fit – I think he should still be a big player at a big club.
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“His last couple of years at Real Madrid were a joke for someone with that quality. What a player he’s been, and he’s still capable of great moments but you won’t see too many of those great moments.”
Bale has played just 13 times for his new American club since joining, but will hope he can lead Wales deep in this year’s World Cup.