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Ryan Giggs has revealed that Gareth Bale’s retirement in Wales 1-0 Nations League win over Finland was planned in advance.
The Real Madrid star was substituted at halftime in Helsinki, with Harry Wilson coming in for the 31-year-old for the second half.
Giggs revealed in a post-game interview that Bale was never expected to play the full game Thursday night following his lack of action at the club level.
“It was planned before,” Giggs explained.
“He hasn’t had football at all. It was a real juggling act choosing the team.
“Gareth has had the least amount of football of all, so it was always the plan to give him 45 minutes, or if he felt good, an hour.
“I thought it was best, with Sunday in mind, to take it out after 45 minutes and then give Harry, who hasn’t played much football, a few minutes as well.”
Kieffer Moore’s third international goal ensured Wales began their Nations League campaign with a hard-fought victory.
The Cardiff City forward scored with 10 minutes remaining after being picked by Manchester United winger Daniel James.
And while the visitors weren’t at their best, Giggs admits he was satisfied with his team’s determination in the Finnish capital.
“I thought it was a really brave performance, not our usual fluid football that we are capable of, but the merit of Finland, which made it difficult for us,” he added.
“I think it’s the kind of game that we can learn from, but we also have a lot of advantages because in the end we got the result.
“With a clean sheet, you always have opportunities thanks to the players we have and the newly produced players, DJ and Kieffer.”
Wales will face Bulgaria in their second group match at Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
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