Even in “la Undécima”: Bale does not want to part with his braid (2024)

"Impossible"

MADRID. He had to laugh and said: “I knew I would be asked that." As a Real Madrid won the Champions League in May 2014, midfield star Luka Modrić had his long hair cut short. He kept his promise, but does not want to make it again. Accordingly, the Croatian denied the question on Tuesday as to whether he would make this visual change again if he won the title.

For buddies Gareth Bale That is also out of the question. The Welsh superstar wore short hair in his first season with the Royals, but he eventually let it grow long enough to be able to tie it in a ponytail. And that's how it's going to stay."No, impossible", the 26-year-old replied with a smile when confronted with the possibility of having his braid removed if he won “la Undécima”.

It would be different if he were guaranteed the European trophy ahead of the duel with Atlético.“I would do it for the Champions League trophy”, said Bale. But who can assure him of this before kick-off? A fantasy.

[advert]

GARETH BALE also spoke about…

…the Champions League final against Atlético (Saturday, 20:45 p.m., in the REAL TOTAL live ticker – TICKETS):"Of course we want to repeat the 2014 final to be champions again. The most important thing for us is to give our maximum, one hundred percent. We hope that will bring us the title. We know it will be a very difficult match. I think it will be important to convert the chances we have into goals. We know that we will not have as many opportunities as in other games."

…the question of whether the current Bale is the best Bale:"I hope to improve even further. I'm in good shape at the moment, but I think I can play even better in the final and next season."

…the question of whether it is his goal to become a world footballer one day:"That is not important to me. For me it is more important to win titles and championships with Real Madrid to win. As a consequence of collective titles, you can get into the race for the Golden Ball. For me, individual achievements are not important. I concentrate on winning trophies here."

…the pressure due to the high transfer fee that Real paid:"I didn't feel any pressure. The price is something between the clubs, I have nothing to do with it. So I don't feel any pressure in that regard. I don't pay attention to things like that, I concentrate on football. On doing the best for the team."

…offensive partner Cristiano Ronaldo:"I think he is a great player. He has made it here at Real Madrid proven on a permanent basis. Of course, I'm still learning from him and hope that we can play well together on Saturday to win the Champions League again. In my eyes, he is one of the best footballers in the world. I hope he continues to play like this and win trophies. We get on well. We play well together, we talk."

…Coach Zinedine Zidane:"He gave us confidence. When you have a coach like that as a player, he brings out the best in you. I feel that having a coach like Zidane makes the team better. He makes us enjoy football more and as a result we play better and win more games."

…the question of whether he felt or feels more important under Rafael Benítez or Zidane:"I felt important under both of them. I think I have more responsibility in the team now. I'm maturing a lot as a player and as a person and I hope it continues like this."

…the question of whether it would be right to let Zidane continue working:"The decisions for next season are not mine. I think Zidane has done an exceptional job since he has been here. That is not something I have to decide. But I think Real Madrid will make the right decision.”

…teammates Luka Modrić:"I have known Luka for a long time. We were together at Tottenham for almost five years, we are very good friends, we get on very well. Let's hope he can continue to play as well as he has so far and we can win more titles together."

…a possible contract extension in Madrid:"I'm not thinking about it at the moment. I still have three years left on my contract and I'm enjoying my football here. Of course, we'll have to see what happens in the future. I hope I have many years left in my career. I haven't really thought about where I'm going to stop. As I said, I'm happy here at the moment and I still have three years left on my contract."

…his favorite position:"I like playing in the center where I can dribble. I also enjoy coming down the right side where I have the freedom to move into the center. I feel comfortable where I can have freedom."

Always stay up-to-date: Follow REAL TOTAL onFacebookand Twitter!