Pep Guardiola talks Gareth Bale: Why he never signed him, his career, future golf meetings

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has offered a glowing tribute to Gareth Bale – who announced his retirement from football at both club and international level this week.

The Wales international team captain announced his retirement at the age of 33, leaving the game as his nation’s most-capped male player and record men’s goalscorer.

The five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid – who is also arguably Wales’ finest ever footballer – confirmed his decision on social media on Monday, as he said in a statement, “After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have realised my dream of playing the sport I love. It (football) has truly given me some of the best moments of my life. The highest of highs over 17 seasons, that will be impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter has in store for me.”

Speaking during a press conference this week, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was asked why he never signed Gareth Bale for any of his clubs throughout his career as a football manager.

The answer from the City boss was simple. “Too expensive,” said Pep.

In glowing praise for the Wales football legend, Pep Guardiola continued, “What a player. A fantastic career, won a lot of things. I think he represents Wales, with more than 100 caps and now he can become a fantastic golf player.”

The obvious next question for the Catalan coach – who is known to be a big fan of golf when he is away from Manchester City duties – was whether a game of golf against Gareth Bale could be on the cards in the future.

“He was busy, maybe now he has time. I will invite him again,” confirmed Guardiola.

Gareth Bale endured a relatively mixed bag of results and performances during his playing career when facing off against Manchester City, going head-to-head with the Premier League giants during his time at all of Southampton, Tottenham and Real Madrid.

Across 13 appearances against the Etihad club, Bale was on the winning side on four occasions, drawing two of the meetings, and being on the receiving end of a defeat seven times. The Welsh star scored two goals and provided an assist in the process.