Remember Gareth Bale for the good times, says Spurs coach

 
GETTY
30 August 2013

Les Ferdinand hopes Gareth Bale will still be remembered fondly by Tottenham fans despite his rebellious behaviour of the last few days.

Bale (above) is expected to complete his world-record move to Real Madrid once Spurs announce the signings of Erik Lamela and Christian Eriksen.

Bale had hoped to part ways with the club on good terms, but he has angered manager Andre Villas-Boas by skipping training for two successive days and is now expected to be fined £160,000.

That news has not gone down well with Bale's camp, who are annoyed by Villas-Boas' public criticism of a man who scored 26 goals for Spurs last year.

With so much bad blood between the two camps, the memories of Bale scoring last-minute wonder goals have faded, but Tottenham coach Ferdinand hopes the supporters will not hold his recent conduct against him.

"I certainly hope that won't be the case," Ferdinand said at the launch of the Vodafone 4G in Trafalgar Square.

"The whole thing has gone on for a while now. The manager just wants to see the end of it and he just wants to get organising his squad for an important campaign.

"What Gareth has done for the club over the last few years has been fantastic.

"No-one wanted to see it end this way, but sometimes when a saga goes on for this long unfortunately it doesn't end as smoothly or as nicely as everyone wants it to but I just hope that everyone remembers the good things that Gareth has done and they wish him all the best for the future."

Ferdinand, who coaches Tottenham's youth squads, witnessed Bale's final appearance at the club's training ground in Enfield last Friday when he bade farewell to his team-mates.

With a world-record price tag on his shirt, the Welshman will be under extreme pressure when he finally turns out for Real, but Ferdinand is sure the Welshman will succeed in Spain.

"A lot of people talk about British players struggling abroad, but Gareth is level-headed and if anyone can adapt to playing abroad then it will be him," the former Spurs striker said.

While Bale gets ready to board a plane for Madrid, Tottenham were planning for their Europa League game against Dinamo Tbilisi and the huge north London derby at Arsenal on Sunday.

Spurs have won all three of their games without Bale this season and have yet to concede a goal.

Vodafone kicks off 4G network in London with a choice of Sky Sports TV or Spotify Premium, before launching in 12 more cities before the end of the year. www.vodafone.co.uk/4G

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