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The Manchester United legend only allowed the winger a total of 45 minutes to return to the international fold.
Ryan Giggs has defended his decision to replace Gareth Bale at halftime during Wales’ clash with Finland, insisting that the Real Madrid outcast “hasn’t had any football” recently.
Wales kicked off their final campaign in the UEFA National League by clinching a close 1-0 away win against Finland on Thursday night.
Kieffer Moore scored the winning goal for Giggs’ side in the 80th minute after receiving a low cross from Manchester United winger Daniel James, which produced a man of the match display in Helsinki.
Bale had a less productive night for his country as he was transferred to Liverpool’s Harry Wilson after a moderate performance in the first half.
The 31-year-old played just 48 minutes of Madrid’s last 12 matches after the close of last season, and was visibly short on form for the match on the international stage.
Giggs insisted that it was always the plan for Bale to retire early during his post-match interview, while praising his team for overcoming a difficult test on foreign soil.
“It was a brave performance, not our usual fluid football, but Finland made it difficult for us. It’s the kind of game we can learn from,” the legendary former United star told reporters.
FT | 🇫🇮 0-1 🏴
A good start for #Welsh at #NationsLeague. #FINWAL # Stronger Together pic.twitter.com/4ZssxxffvE
– Wales 🏴 (@Wales) September 3, 2020
“We take the advantages because we get a result and with a clean sheet we always have a chance.
“Gareth Bale, he was scheduled to come out at halftime, he hasn’t played any football. He was always going to have 45 minutes.”
Bale sparked further speculation about his future in Madrid earlier this week after revealing that the club blocked his proposed exit last summer amid interest from the Chinese Super League and MLS.
A man who started his career at Tottenham before moving to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2013 also opened the door to a possible return to the Premier League. Sky sports: “We’ll see what happens.
“It is in the hands of the club and to be honest they make things very difficult. If those options arise, it is something I would look at for sure.
Bale will again compete for a spot in Giggs’ starting lineup when Wales host Bulgaria at Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday, where the Dragons will look to extend their recent unbeaten streak to eight games.
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