Bale: There will be no apology for beating Ukraine
Gareth Bale says he would make no apology to war-torn Ukrainians were Wales to deny them their World Cup dream, and suggested that his future does not rest on the outcome of today’s Play-off Final.
Bale, who says he has had “loads” of offers since his nine-year stay at Real Madrid came to an end, knows the emotion Ukraine will bring into the Cardiff clash given what is happening in their homeland.
But Wales captain Bale, while expressing sympathy for the Ukrainians’ plight, insisted that securing the Dragons’ first appearance at a World Cup for 64 years was the only thing on Welsh minds.
Asked if he would apologise to Ukraine if Wales ended their World Cup hopes, Bale said: “As horrible as it sounds, no.
“It is a game of football, and it is a competition we want to get to as well.
“Everyone in the world feels for Ukraine. It is sport that unites everybody. We understand what it will do for Ukraine, but we want to get to the World Cup. We want to deliver for our own fans.”
Told that Ukraine could count on support from around the world, Bale replied: “We’ll be the most popular team in the stadium, that’s the main thing.
“We understand the awful things going on in Ukraine. Our hearts go out to the kids, families and people of Ukraine.
“We’ve all felt awful during this time and not been able to do too much. But it’s a game of football. We want to win.
“We’ve only ever played in one World Cup. This is a stepping stone on to the biggest level.
“Everyone wants to play at a World Cup. It’s no different for me – it is missing (on my CV) – or for every member of the squad and coaching staff.”
Bale’s future remains uncertain for now, with retirement touted as one option should Wales’ World Cup dream perish.
The 32-year-old has also been linked with hometown club Cardiff, former team Tottenham and Newcastle, as well as the MLS in America.
Asked if his future rested on the outcome of the play-off final, Bale said: “Not necessarily, no.
“I’m not concentrating on what lies ahead in the future. All my focus is on this massive game and I really don’t need to think or worry about anything else.”
Invited to say if he had a stack of offers on the table, Bale replied with a smile: “I’ve got loads!”
Ukraine manager, Oleksandr Petrakov, revealed a Ukrainian flag from the battleground will hang in their dressing room today.
He dedicated their win at Hampden in midweek to the troops who are defending their country against attacks from Russia.
Petrakov said: “Our team wrote to soldiers, and received a flag from the war, which they promised to hang in the dressing room.”