Welsh winger Gareth Bale, regarded as one of the greatest wingers of his generation, announced his retirement from football on January 9, 2023, at the age of 33, calling time on a phenomenal 17-year career in the sport.

The former Real Madrid midfielder shared two separate posts on his social media handles to announce his decision, with the second one being a special token of appreciation for his countrymen.

pic.twitter.com/QF7AogJXHE

ļæ½?Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) January 9, 2023

pic.twitter.com/NNErxMVGCS

ļæ½?Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) January 9, 2023

Hereā€™s a sneak peek into the impressive trajectory of his wonderful career.

Southampton FC (2006-07)

Appearances	Goals	Assists
45	5	12

Bale, whose ability was first spotted by Southampton FC during a school football tournament, made his debut for the club as a 16-year-old in April 2006 while the Saints were in the second tier of the English football pyramid.

Beginning his career as a left-back, he quickly developed a reputation of being a ā€˜free-kick specialistļæ½?thanks to a few goals from set-pieces in his debut season itself.

Tottenham Hotspur (2007ļæ½?013)

Appearances	Goals	Assists
237	72	58

Destined for success based on the early exploits of his career, the Welshman earned a move to Tottenham Hotspur in May 2007, where he got his first breakthrough and taste of Premier League football.

After a brief period on the sidelines due to persistent injuries, Baleā€™s Spurs stint finally took off in the 2008-09 season where he made 30 appearances across all competitions.

Despite not getting on the scoresheet in the campaign, a player of Baleā€™s stature did not take much time to settle in the English top flight and showed early signs of what was to follow with marauding runs forward from the left-back slot.Ā 

Having transitioned to the left-wing position from his initial left-back role with the help of then Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp, Bale became one of the most feared and pacey wingers of all time, terrorising opposition defences with his mazy runs.

In his seven-year stay at White Hart Lane, he formed attacking partnerships with the likes of Jermain Defoe, Emmanuel Adebayor and Aaron Lennon.

The Welshman netted his last Premier League goal of his first spell with Spurs in the most typical fashion by planting a long-range effort into the top-left corner against Sunderland on May 19, 2013.

There's signing off in style - and then there's @GarethBale11

The Welshman's final #PL strike is our splendid #GoalOfTheDay pic.twitter.com/S0aZdUE0cF

ļæ½?Premier League (@premierleague) June 18, 2018

Despite winning several individual accolades with Spurs, Baleā€™s could add only one trophy to his cabinet, which was the EFL Cup 2007-08 triumph.

Real Madrid (2013ļæ½?022)

Appearances	Goals	Assists
258	106	67

Following his exponential development as a player, Real Madrid broke the bank to acquire his services, paying a reported Ā£85 million, the then-transfer record for a professional footballer.

Unfortunately, injuries restricted Bale to the treatment table in the first few months at the Santiago Bernabeu. He scored his first goal for the Galacticos on his debut against Villareal in a 2-2 draw away from home in September 2013.

Over the years, the Welsh winger became a regular in the matchday squads even though his tenure was ravaged by recurring injuries.

Among a pool of significant moments for Bale, a couple of stunning goals stand out from his almost decade-long stay with the Spanish giants.

The first was his goal against rivals FC Barcelona in the 2013-14 Copa del Rey final.

Carrera ƉPICA y... Ā”gol de la VICTORIA!
@GarethBale11
@FCBarcelona_es
#RMFansEnCasa@futbolmahou | #ElSaborQueNosUne pic.twitter.com/PjXPRDqPUw

ļæ½?Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) April 16, 2020

With the game level at 1-1, Bale channelled his inner Usain Bolt and made a breathtaking run (clocked at 21.54mph) from inside his own half to net a fantastic goal and seal the title in the 85th minute to bag his first silverware with his new club.

Four seasons later in the 2017-18 campaign, he scored one of the most extraordinary goals in the history of the Champions League.

Congratulations on an incredible career, @GarethBale11

Enjoy your retirement ā¤ļø #UCL pic.twitter.com/fptEIvOZVm

ļæ½?UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 9, 2023

Coming on as a substitute, Bale netted a sensational overhead kick with his deadly left foot against Liverpool in the final to help his team clinch a third consecutive UCL trophy.Ā 

Return to Tottenham Hotspur and Los Angeles FC (2020-2022)

In 2020, Following a trophy-laden spell in the Spanish capital, Bale made a fairytale return to the club.

He scored a total of 16 goals in 31 appearances, including a hat-trick against Sheffield United in May 2020.

Bale then plied his trade for the MLS side Los Angeles FC in the final year of his career, scoring two goals in 12 appearances.

Wales (2006-2022)

Appearances	Goals	Assists
111	40	22

Widely considered among the top Welshmen to grace the game of football, Bale scored 41 goals in 111 appearances to become the leading goal-scorer for his country. He was named Welsh Footballer of the Year a record six times.

Moreover, his major contributions include qualification for the World Cup 2022, where Wales played the tournament for the first time in 64 years.

He also led his country to their first-ever appearance in the Euro Championships in 2016, where they finished as semi-finalists.

All-in-all, Gareth Baleā€™s splendid career surely features among the most inspirational footballing stories. He could be considered an exceptional talent, who sent shivers down the spines of the opposition defences in his quest to achieve greatness.

Gareth Bale's club honours

Trophy/title	Team	Season(s)
EFL Cup	Tottenham Hotspur	2007-08
Ā	Ā	Ā
La Liga	Real Madrid	2016-17, 2019-20, 2021-22
Copa del Rey		2013-14
Spanish Super Cup		2017
UEFA Champions League		2013-14, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2021-22
UEFA Super Cup		2014, 2016, 2017
FIFA Club World Cup		2014, 2016, 2017, 2018
Ā	Ā	Ā
MLS Cup	Los Angeles FC	2021-22
Supporters' Shield		2021-22

Photo credit: Alamy

The FIFA World Cup 2022 European qualifiers return as 11 teams compete for the three remaining UEFA spots.

Portugal, Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, North Macedonia, Poland, Scotland, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine and Wales are the 11 teams that will feature in the UEFA World Cup 2022 playoffs for the final three spots in the upcoming week.Ā 

Earlier, Russia were also part of the playoffs with 12 teams divided into three groups of four on paths A, B and C which will each decide a qualifier after a semi-final and a final.Ā 

However, Russiaā€™s invasion of Ukraine affected both Paths A and B with Poland receiving a bye to their Path B final as UEFA disqualified Russia and the encounter between Scotland and Ukraine was postponed by FIFA.

Here are the three paths for the UEFA World Cup 2022 playoff round:Ā 

Path A: Wales, Austria, Scotland, and Ukraine

Path B: Sweden, Czech Republic, and Poland

Path C: Italy, North Macedonia, Portugal, and Turkey

While Gareth Bale-led Wales face Austria at Cardiff City Stadium, Cristiano Ronaldoā€™s Portugal will host Turkey EstĆ”dio do DragĆ£o on Friday.

In other clashes on Friday, Sweden will lock horns with Czech Republic at Friends Arena while Italy will host North Macedonia at Renzo Barbera.

Interestingly, only one out of Italy or Portugal will qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar as they are on the same path.

Meanwhile, the group stage of the UEFA FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers has already been completed with 10 group winners confirming their place for the upcoming edition of the Football World Cup in Qatar.Ā 

Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Serbia, Spain and Switzerland are the 10 teams that have qualified as group winners for the FIFA World Cup 2022 that will run from November 21 to December 18.

FIFA World Cup 2022 European qualifiers

Qualified as group winners: Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Serbia, Spain, Switzerland

Competing in play-offs: Austria, Czech Republic, Italy, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, Wales

FIFA World Cup 2022 European qualifiers fixtures and live India match times

All times are in India Standard Time (IST)

Friday, March 25

Semi-finals

Path A: Wales vs Austria - 1:15 AM,Ā Scotland vs UkraineĀ  ļæ½?postponed, TBD

Path B: Sweden vs Czech RepublicĀ  - 1:15 AM

Path C: Italy vs North Macedonia, Portugal vs TurkeyĀ  - 1:15 AM

Tuesday, March 29

Finals

Path A: Wales / Austria vs Scotland / UkraineĀ  ļæ½?postponed, TBD

Path B: Poland vs Sweden / Czech Republic - 12:15 AM

Path C: Portugal / Turkey vs Italy / North Macedonia - 12:15 AM

Where to watch the FIFA World Cup 2022 European qualifiers live in India?

The FIFA World Cup 2022 European qualifiers will be telecast live on Sony Ten 1, Sony Ten 2, Sony Ten 3, Sony Six and their corresponding HD TV channels in India.

Live streaming for the FIFA World Cup 2022 European qualifiers will be available on the SonyLIV app and website.

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Featured photo:Ā CARLOS COSTA / AFP

Gameweek 5 of the Premier League was another rollercoaster weekend of action with teams from the big six dropping points, while the likes of Sheffield United and Fulham picked up their first point of the season. The past weekendā€™s action also witnessed the Merseyside derby and needless to say, there were plenty of flashpoints as Everton lost their perfect start to the campaign following a 2-2 draw with Liverpool. The only team remaining in England that enjoys a 100 per cent record is Aston Villa, who made it four wins from four after a late winner by Ross Barkley gave them a win over Leicester City. Here are some of the talking points from the week gone by.

Virgil van Dijkā€™s injury blows title race open

Everton and Liverpool were involved in an exciting 2-2 draw that witnessed just about everything from red cards and disallowed goals to VAR controversy. However, the biggest fallout from the encounter has to be the injury of Virgil van Dijk. The Dutch centre-back has been integral to Liverpoolā€™s successes since his arrival, having hardly missed a minute of action. That said, he looks set to miss the rest of the season after suffering an ACL injury following a tackle by Jordan Pickford. Itā€™s no secret that van Dijkā€™s presence at the back for Liverpool has had a transformative effect on the fortunes of the club and him out for the entirety of the season comes as a major setback for Jurgen Kloppā€™s men.

Read |Ā Donā€™t blame technology for the written rules and the incompetence of VAR

Open league with no team dominating rest of the competition

Unlike the last three seasons when Liverpool and Manchester City were blowing away the competition with 90 plus point campaigns, the ongoing season is keeping everyone guessing. Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur all dropped points over the weekend as sides from the big six continue to find it difficult to string a run of positive results together. Even though itā€™s still early days with Liverpool and City likely to rise to the challenge as the season progresses, itā€™s safe to say we wonā€™t be seeing any club getting to or close to 100 points this year.Ā 

Gareth Bale second stint at Spurs wonā€™t be as teamā€™s talisman

48': Wolves 2-3 Spurs
69': Bale comes on
87': Wolves 3-3 Spurs

HT: Spurs 3-0 West Ham
72': Bale comes on
90+4': Spurs 3-3 West Ham

Nine years between Gareth Bale's last two sub appearances for Spurs. Same result. pic.twitter.com/SipLKSwWeh

ļæ½?Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 18, 2020

Spurs were leading 3-0 against West Ham United when Gareth Bale was introduced from the bench and while it wouldnā€™t be fair to say that his presence on the pitch coincided with Tottenham conceding thrice, a quick glance at his cameo doesnā€™t do him any favours. Still lacking match sharpness, Bale struggled to impose himself on the match and even missed a chance to seal the win for his team. But what stood out even more during his time on the field was that this Bale is very different from the one that Spurs sold in 2013. With several influential talents like Harry Kane and Son Heung-min now in the team, Bale is no longer the go-to man for the club and must first focus on earning a starting spot with the north London club.

Ross Barkley enjoying start to life with high-flying Aston Villa

2 - Ross Barkley has scored in each of his two Premier League appearances for Aston Villa (2 goals), as many as he managed in his last 42 for Chelsea before moving to Villa Park. Quality. pic.twitter.com/Cbz8FHfH8m

ļæ½?OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 18, 2020

A major reason behind Aston Villa having such a solid start to their season is the form of Barkley. Since joining Villa from Chelsea on loan, Barkley has had a big say in the clubā€™s fortunes. He netted for them against Liverpool in the last gameweek and scored the winner against Leicester over the weekend. Barkley and Jack Grealish together could help Aston Villa make a push for a European spot finish this season with the former finally looking like heā€™s at a club thatā€™s making the best use of his talent, unlike his Chelsea stint where he was constantly in and out of the team.Ā 

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Peter Byrne

105 goals, 68 assists, six major titles (four Champions League and two La Liga titles), and two injury-hit seasons later, Gareth Bale might not be the same force that he used to be when he joined Real Madrid seven years ago. He was not even a first-choice player for Zinedine Zidane in his last few years at Madrid. But, as he returns to his former club -- Tottenham Hotspur -- in a much-awaited loan deal, he might just be the missing link that was holding Spurs back from making their big moments count.

Tottenham have been one of the most consistent clubs to finish inside the top six of the Premier League in the last decade or so and yet, they have never been able to win a title. Not only that, in the 2018-19 season, they reached the final of the UEFA Champions League for the first time after beating strong opponents like Manchester City and Ajax in the previous rounds, but they faltered once again in the final as they lost to Liverpool.Ā 

So it sums up how Spurs have always faltered at the final hurdles, the big moments, despite being so good during their journey towards that destination.Ā 

• Reguilon joining Spurs is the latest flashpoint between United and Madrid

This is where Gareth Bale's return to Tottenham becomes so important. The most significant thing the 31-year-old forward brings with himself is the big-game experience that the club has struggled with all these years. Bale's experience of contributing to Real Madrid's six major title-victories over the years will be really helpful for all the Tottenham players.

He is currently on the sidelines with an injured knee and is expected to return to action by mid-October. And once he does, his role will be the most important in Tottenham's upheaval. Not just big-match experience, but Bale offers so much more to the side in terms of his playing ability.

First of all, he makes Tottenham's front-three a real force to deal with. At the moment, Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son are the only players whom oppositions look to contain and the lack of a third major figure doesn't allow the two forwards the space and room they need to make an impact in every match.

In the three Premier League matches Tottenham have played this season, the two forwards have been quite effectively contained twice. Only Southampton failed to deal with them and they eventually lost by a massive 5-2 margin. Everton, on the other hand, registered a 1-0 victory over Spurs whereas Newcastle United recorded a 1-1 draw. So that clearly sums up how Kane and Son have made only half of the impact they would in the presence of an equally capable third forward.

Bale's history of scoring, his physical strength, pace and ability to cut in from the wing makes him a real good addition to Kane and Son up top. He would completely take the load off them and at least one of the trio will always remain open to take a clear shot at the goal. He brings the aerial ability to the forward lines too, as Bale is quite tall and good at heading the ball.

Moreover, he is very versatile and gives Tottenham immense flexibility. Bale can play at any position -- right-wing, left-wing or even as a No.10 behind the striker. He can even play upfront as a major striker if the need arises. So that is something that gives Jose Mourinho the freedom he wants in tweaking his formations without compromising on player quality.Ā 

Yes, his fitness and frequent injuries still remain a concern but if used in the right way, Bale will just be what Tottenham always needed to fulfil their dreams.

Feature image courtesy: Twitter /@SpursOfficial

Plenty of action in the ongoing transfer market continues to grab eyeballs. Reports have it that Manchester United have made significant progress in their pursuit of acquiring Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund, with the only hindrance being his valuation of Ā£108m.

Jadon Sancho is absolutely ready and 'buzzing' to join #mufc. He decided a month ago to talk about this opportunity. The problem is not the personal terms or agent fees #mulive [@FabrizioRomano, here we go podcast]

ļæ½?utdreport (@utdreport) September 9, 2020

Newly-promoted team Fulham announced the arrival of Alphonse Areola on a season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain, while Leeds United are actively hunting as well. There have been plenty of rumours ahead of the 2020/21 season, and here are the top transfer stories of the day.

A watch on Chelseaā€™s loan army

Days after defender Ethan Ampadu completed his loan move to Sheffield United, reports have emerged that as many as four senior players are set to follow suit. Tiemoue Bakayokoā€™s move to AC Milan is evident but this time around, the Serie A side will contain an option to buy. Another defender in Fikayo Tomori is expected to join Carlo Ancelotti at Everton on a season-long loan.

Forward Michy Batshuayi, on the other hand, is expected to move to Crystal Palace, where he had a brief stint in 2019. Daily Mail quotes the forward, who joined Chelsea from Marseille in 2016 for a fee reported to be around Ā£33m, will sign a one-year extension with the Blues before moving to Palace for a second stint.

Another midfielder in line is the England U21 international Conor Gallagher, who has attracted heavy interest from the newly-promoted sides like Leeds United and West Brom. As per the sources, Chelsea are keen on handing Gallagher a new contract before finalizing his loan move. Leeds are thought to be the front runners, but West Brom sporting director Luke Dowling has been quite vocal about the midfielderā€™s abilities.

Madrid pushing for Baleā€™s exit

A report from Daily Telegraph has confirmed that Real Madrid are willing to pay 50 percent of Gareth Baleā€™s salary to allow him to leave Santiago Bernabeu in order to make way to the Premier League.

Bale, an outcast under Zinedine Zidane, has time and again expressed his desire of leaving Madrid, but a mammoth salary of Ā£600,000-a-week is proving out to be a stumbling block in the negotiation. He still has two years left on his current contract, but Madrid are willing to pay half of his wages so that the player can move forward.Ā 

The Wales international started just 12 times in La Liga last season and was left in Madrid as Real faced Manchester City at the Etihad for the second leg of their Champions League last-16.

ā€œMany things have been said but we have a respectful relationship between the club and player (Bale). But all Iā€™ll say is he preferred to not play. The rest is between us and him," Zidane had said ahead of the City game.

Arsenal to launch new bid forĀ Houssem Aouar

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal have made Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar a primary target, as journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Gunners are ready to launch a new bid after getting rejected in the initial offer. It is said that Arsenal initially offeredĀ Ā£31.2m for the 22-year-old but faced an outright rejection as the Ligue 1 side remains unwilling to listen to any offers that are less than Ā£54.5m.

It is being reported that Arsenal included midfielderĀ Matteo Guendouzi in the first offer but Lyon'sĀ sporting director Juninho said the offer wasn't entertained.

"I get along very well with their sporting director [Edu]," Juninho said.

"We spoke on the phone. Houssem Aouar is really appreciated by Arteta. There have been some discussions for Matteo Guendouzi who is also a good player. He was mentioned during the discussion, but this is not the profile we need, we were very clear. If it is like that, it does not interest us at allļæ½?it is, and we stopped."

Arsenal board [as Arteta too] are convinced that Houssem Aouar is a real ā€˜top playerļæ½? And Aouar would love to move to Premier League. But after refusing Guendouzi as part of the negotiation, OL donā€™t want to accept any swap deal. Price tag ļæ½?0m and no new bid yet from #AFC āšŖļø

ļæ½?Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 10, 2020

Arteta will have to coup a significant amount if he tends to land Aouar at the Emirates. It is said that three players inĀ Emilio Martinez, Rob HoldingĀ andĀ Lucas Torreira face uncertain futures, and their sale might fund an approach for the Frenchman.

Juninho also revealed that he had approached striker Alexandre Lacazette in January over a potential loan move, but the deal failed as Lyon looked unwilling to match the Frenchman's salary demands.

"In January, I called Alexandre Lacazette to chat a bit with him because he was having problems at Arsenal and I said to myself, ā€˜Why not do a loan for six months with us where you will enjoy yourself, play all the games and score the goals like you know how to? And then you go back to Arsenal or somewhere elseļæ½?" said Juninho.

"But from the moment that you start looking at the level of the contract of these players, like with Juventus and Barcelona, it is not possible for us today. Today, we have to tell the truth, we cannot pay the salary for a player like [Samuel] Umtiti."

As for Aouar, the midfielder loves the idea of playing in the Premier League, but the clubs have not been in contact since the initial offer was rejected.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Pierre-Philippe Marcou

As a two-time La Liga champion and four-time UEFA Champions League winner, there arenā€™t many benchwarmers in the football world with the resume of Gareth Bale. The Welsh winger has enjoyed plenty of success with Real Madrid since joining the club back in the summer of 2013. His relationship with Los Blancos in the next seven years, though, has been anything but smooth, getting increasingly strained with each passing season.

A very public falling out with manager Zinedine Zidane and criticism from fans havenā€™t made things much easier either. However, a big obstacle in the way of his exit from the club is his massive wage that not many clubs in the world can afford. That said, there are still a few clubs across the globe that can offer Bale a way out of Madrid and here we have a look at a some of those options.

Chinese Super League clubs

In recent years, several top players have moved to the Chinese Super League clubs. Blessed with the financial muscle to entice players to come and play in Asia, Paulinho, Oscar, Axel Witsel, Alex Teixeira, Odion Ighalo and Carlos Tevez are some of the names that have made the leap from Europe to a Chinese Super League outfit in the recent past. Bale himself almost made to the move to the cash-rich shores of China last year when Jiangsu Suning were reportedly ready to offer him an eye-watering figure of Ā£1m-a-week to represent them. However, injuries to Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio led to a collapse of the deal but thereā€™s no reason why any Chinese outfit canā€™t rekindle their interest in Bale, with him clearly not a part of Zidaneā€™s plans for the upcoming campaign.

Manchester United

Manchester Unitedā€™s interest in Bale is perhaps one of footballā€™s worse kept secrets. The Red Devils expressed interest in the Welsh wizard when he moved to Los Blancos in 2013 and have keenly monitored his progress since. United, in fact, had made their interest known to Real on more than one occasion over the years and have the financial strength to keep him on their books. That said, a 31-year-old Bale may not appeal to United anymore, especially with the club clearly focusing all their transfer efforts on another talented ļæ½?and younger ļæ½?winger in Jadon Sancho. One way that Bale could make an unlikely move to Old Trafford, though, is if a deal for Sancho failed to materialise, making the Welsh superstar a worthy albeit short-term alternative.

Paris Saint-Germain

Another one of Europeā€™s heavyweights that can afford Baleā€™s massive wages, Paris Saint-Germain are already stacked with superstars. The likes of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di Maria already form a formidable attacking trident. Constant speculation linking Neymar and Mbappe to Europeā€™s more established elite clubs, however, could help pave the way for a Bale transfer to Paris in the future. With a squad brimming with talent across all areas of the pitch and capable of challenging for top honours in Europe, PSG is perhaps the best option for the Welshman as he approaches the twilight of his career. Whether or not the situation ever arises for Paris to sign Bale remains to be seen but the 31-year-old will know that the Parisian club can afford him while also offering him a chance to play at a high level and challenge for top honours.

Tottenham Hotspur

A more emotional rather than calculated move could see Bale enjoy a homecoming by returning to the club that sold him to Madrid. While at Tottenham Hotspur, Bale became one of the hottest prospects in Europe and tormented defences in the Premier League with blistering pace and venomous shots. He was the Premier League Player of the Season in his last campaign with the club and will undoubtedly feel the warmth of playing in front of his old fans should he decide to return to White Hart Lane. A major obstacle for this to happen, though, will be his massive wage, meaning a voluntary pay-cut would be the only way for Bale to return to the place where he became a household name in the football world.

Feature image courtesy: AFP /Ā Pierre-Philippe Marcou

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author's and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SportsAdda.

Southampton are known to develop and produce some of the most talented players in England. They have paved the way for numerous gifted players over the years and continue to be a conveyor belt for game-changing talents of the future. The tradition to promote youngsters has always been a part of the clubā€™s DNA and here are a few well-known names who emerged from their famed youth setup.Ā 

Matt Le Tissier

Second on the list for leading goal-scorers in the history of the club, Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier remains one of their best youth products. Le Tissier made his debut for the Saints in 1986 and stayed with the club till 2002 even though top teams from across Europe were desperate for his signature on more than one occasion.

A free-kick specialist and a technically gifted attacking midfielder, Le Tissier had a penchant for spectacular strikers and is considered one of the most reliable players, having converted 47 times from 48 attempts. The first midfielder to score 100 goals in the Premier League, Le Tissierā€™s affinity for Southampton meant that he only ever played for one club as far as top-flight football in Europe was concerned. Ā 

Alan Shearer

After spending two years in Southamptonā€™s youth squad, Alan Shearer was promoted to the first team and never looked back. Shearerā€™s eye for the goal was evident from the outset, with him becoming the youngest player to score a hat-trick in the top division soon after his Southampton debut. However, he still had to bide his time before becoming a first-team regular at the club and had to wait till the 1990-91 season to truly make his mark, when he was voted the Fansļæ½?Player of the Year.

He moved to Blackburn Rovers in 1992 and won the Premier League title with them in 1995 after building a magnificent partnership up front with Chris Sutton that saw both players score goals galore. After his adventure with Blackburn, Shearer moved to his boyhood club Newcastle United and became their top-scorer as well as the leading goal-scorer in Premier League history.

Gareth Bale

Gareth Baleā€™s transformation to a superstar from a young full-back in Southamptonā€™s youth setup speaks volumes about the clubā€™s eye for up and coming talent. After making his debut in 2006 as the second-youngest player to ever play for Southampton, Bale signed for Tottenham Hotspur. Hampered by injuries and adjusting to life in north London meant that Bale had a slow start to his career with Spurs. Once he did settle, though, the Welsh winger became unstoppable.

After being deployed higher up the pitch, Baleā€™s explosive pace and power became areas of concerns for defences. His superb performances saw him win the Premier League Player of the Season in 2012ļæ½?3 ahead of a move to Real Madrid before the next season. With Real, Bale has won two La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and a Copa del Rey. His goal-scoring exploits in Champions League finals for Real remain his best moments with Los Blancos.Ā 

Theo Walcott

Theo Walcott was highly rated as a prodigious talent and is the youngest player to play for Southamptonā€™s first-team. Blessed with lightning-quick pace and tricky feet, it was only a matter of time before he moved to Arsenal to develop further. A surprise inclusion in Englandā€™s 2006 World Cup squad, a lot was expected of him in the years to come.

However, many believe the pacey winger hasnā€™t quite lived up to the billing. Even though he won two FA Cups and scored more than 100 goals for Arsenal during his injury-ridden more-than-a-decade-long stay with the Gunners, people still wonder what could have been with Walcott. Now 31 years of age, Walcott is currently plying his trade with Merseyside club Everton.Ā 

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain followed a similar career path to Walcott. After impressing as a youngster in Southamptonā€™s youth setup, he moved to Arsenal in 2011 and won three FA Cups with the Gunners. However, unlike Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain hasnā€™t spent most of his peak years at the north London outfit and instead opted for a move to the red side of Merseyside to join Liverpool.

With Liverpool, Oxlade-Chamberlainā€™s development has gone from strength to strength. He has won the UEFA Champions League as well as the Premier League with the Reds and seems to have a bright future ahead of him. Still only 27 years of age, heā€™s likely to enjoy more success and win a lot more trophies to perhaps become the most decorated player to have graduated from Southamptonā€™s youth academy.

Feature image courtesy: AFP /Ā Laurence Griffiths

Gareth Bale has been left out of Real Madrid's squad for their Champions League last 16 second leg against Manchester City on Friday.

Zinedine Zidane named 24 players on Wednesday for the trip to Manchester, where Madrid are aiming to overturn a 2-1 first-leg defeat to reach the quarter-finals.

Sergio Ramos will travel with the squad, Madrid confirmed, despite being suspended for the fixture.

Bale, 31, was not on the list, adding another low-point to a turbulent season for the Welshman, who has hardly featured for Madrid this year.

Despite Madrid storming to the La Liga title, Bale made only two appearances during the 11 games after La Liga resumed, one of them from the start.

He was pictured standing away from the team's celebrations with Zidane after their league success was confirmed and had caused a stir by pretending to be asleep during Madrid's game against Alaves.

Zidane's decision to omit Bale completely from the squad to face City is another clear indication the Frenchman would prefer to be rid of Bale and his 18-million euro salary this summer.

But interested clubs are likely to be put off by the finances involved while Bale and his representatives insist he is happy to see out his Madrid contract, which expires in 2022.

Ramos will travel with the squad to England, despite being banned for the match after he was sent off towards the end of the first leg.

UEFA protocol will allow Madrid's captain to enter the stadium and be in the dressing room with the players, but he cannot sit on the bench.Ā 

Ramos will also have to be tested along with the rest of the squad.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Gabriel Bouys

La Liga's longest season ended on Sunday after 12 months and an 11-game sprint finish, with Real Madrid being crowned champions for only the third time in 12 years.

Here, we take a look at 10 of the best moments from the domestic campaign in Spain:

Aduriz' perfect startĀ 

La Liga's goal of the season was arguably its first as the 38-year-old Aritz Aduriz delivered a dramatic 89th-minute winner against Barcelona with an incredible bicycle kick. Aduriz had announced this would be his final season before retiring and it was the perfect start to a long farewell.

Aritz Aduriz received a standing ovation in the dressing room after his late heroics against Barcelona. pic.twitter.com/Al1XPCwNTI

ļæ½?ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 17, 2019

Fati explodes into lifeĀ 

Ansu Fati was 16 years and 304 days old in August when he became the youngest ever player to score a goal for Barcelona. The forward's header, six minutes after coming on against Osasuna, sent Spanish football into a frenzy and two weeks later he scored again while becoming Barca's youngest ever starting player.

Clasico overshadowed by protestsĀ 

For the first time in 17 years, a Clasico ended goalless but the match was overshadowed by what Catalan independence protests outside. Fans saw smoke drift over the stands while outside fires burned, objects were thrown and riot police tried to restore order. This was the Clasico that was postponed in October due to unrest in Catalonia but two months later, tension remained.Ā 

Messi's Eibar quadrupleĀ 

There was talk of drought as Messi went without a goal in four games, but he made up for the lost time by scoring four goals against Eibar in March. Messi hit a hat-trick within 40 minutes, which was his 36th La Liga treble, and his 'poker' took the Argentinian to 20 goals against Eibar in just 11 league matches.Ā 

Bale punished for Wales jibeĀ 

Gareth Bale's relationship with Real Madrid has long been complicated but matters came to a head in November, when Bale celebrated behind a banner that read "Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that Order", indicating his list of priorities. Bale insisted it was a joke, not initiated by him, but Madrid's fans expressed their disgust with screeching whistles when Bale came on their next game.

Mariano mocking Gareth Bale with a golf swing after the Wales, Golf Madrid In That Order Flag is class... ļøā€ā™‚ļæ½? pic.twitter.com/NDZo9ypkZy

ļæ½?Football Daily (@footballdaily) November 22, 2019

Unionistas breach MadridĀ 

Their fans stayed long after the final whistle to sing and applaud, even though Unionistas de Salamanca had just lost in the Copa del Rey. The feeling was of success after watching their team, launched in 2013 by its supporters, go toe-to-toe with Real Madrid. Unionistas sat 56 places below their opponents and while an incredible night ended in 3-1 defeat, Alvaro Romero's goal will never be forgotten.Ā 

Silent derby in SevilleĀ 

The one match most synonymous with fans in Spain was the first to kick off without any as La Liga returned from its three-month suspension with Sevilla against Real Betis. The usually hot, fiery, frenetic Seville derby became the test case for Spanish football in front of empty stands as the game began to adjust to the new normal after the coronavirus pandemic. Ā 

Benzema's Valencia volleyĀ 

Benzema's volley in Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Valencia last month was another contender for goal of the season, a brilliant piece of skill followed almost instantly by a stunning finish. He feathered the ball mid-air with one foot while simultaneously lifting it over defender Hugo Guillamon, before smashing it with the other into the top corner.Ā 

Benzema on his strike against Valencia;

"It was a pass from Marco, and I controlled the ball, it worked well and then I hit it with my left foot and it went in... It sounds easy when I explain it but it's about doing it in one quick movement."#GetSporty
pic.twitter.com/wv0OEZRwWn

ļæ½?SportyBet Nigeria (@sportybetng) June 19, 2020

Aspas sinks BarcelonaĀ 

Barcelona's title challenge included many stumbling blocks but the moment that turned the tide was Iago Aspas' curling free-kick that earned Celta Vigo a last-gasp point in June. Aspas exploited Barca's poorly positioned wall by bending the ball inside the near post and celebrated with his shirt off while yelling at empty stands.

The wonderful Iago Aspas 89th minute free kick to draw the game with Barcelona and hand Madrid the advantage.. pic.twitter.com/bBv6kSixHo

ļæ½?An (See Pinned) (@RoyalANfield) June 27, 2020

Ocampos heroics in goalĀ 

Sevilla's Lucas Ocampos scored one goal as a winger and saved another as a goalkeeper while preventing Eibar's goalkeeper from scoring an equaliser. After putting Sevilla in front against Eibar this month, Ocampos took the gloves for the final few minutes due to an injury to Tomas Vaclik. Eibar keeper Marko Dmitrovic ventured up for a late corner and almost scored, only for Ocampos to make a crucial save during an incredible end to the match.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Lluis Gene

Sergio Ramos' sensational free-kick helped Real Madrid move back above Barcelona to the top of La Liga as they defeated Real Mallorca 2-0 on Wednesday.

Ramos brushed aside Gareth Bale to take the shot and justified his claim with a curling strike into the top corner after 19-year-old Vinicius Junior had put Madrid in front in the first half.

Madrid's victory at the Alfredo di Stefano Stadium means they are level again on points with Barcelona but sit above their title rivals in the table due to a superior head-to-head record.

"There are seven finals left," said Ramos. "There will be only one league in the year of coronavirus and we want to win it for the fans."

Bale has been hardly used since La Liga resumed on June 11 but Zinedine Zidane continued his rotation policy and handed the Welshman his first start since February 16.

Yet an underwhelming display is unlikely to push Bale back into Zidane's preferred eleven as Vinicius enhanced his case with another lively, if erratic, performance.

The Brazilian also hit the crossbar in the first half.

Ramos, though, stole the show with his brilliant free-kick, taking his personal tally to a career-best eight goals for the season, after he became La Liga's highest-ever scoring defender on Sunday by scoring a penalty against Real Sociedad.

The only worry for Madrid was that Eden Hazard was taken off shortly after the hour, raising doubts over whether the Belgian is fully fit or completely confident in his troublesome ankle.

There was also time at the end for history to be made as Mallorca's Luka Romero became the youngest player ever to play in La Liga, aged 15 years and 219 days.

Mallorca, who remain 18th in the table, always looked like one of Madrid's more straight-forward assignments during the run-in, even if they claimed a stunning victory over them in October to put Zidane under serious pressure.

But his team have been transformed since then and after Barcelona made hard work of beating Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday night, this was another win to suggest the momentum is now with Madrid.

Bale tested Manolo Reina with an early shot from distance just after Karim Benzema was denied by Mallorca's goalkeeper after being allowed to control at the back post.

Hazard freed Vinicius, who took too long over his shot, but if that was the worst of Vinicius' finishing, the best was to come soon after.

Dani Carvajal barged over Dani Rodriguez, fairly in the eyes of the referee, and Fede Valverde swept a long ball forward to Luka Modric, who waited before playing a cute reverse ball to Vinicius.

Bale stepped aside, allowing the youngster to lift a superb finish over Reina and into the net.

Mallorca rallied with Takefusa Kubo, on loan from Madrid, particularly lively and Thibaut Courtois having to tip wide a bending effort from Iddrisu Baba.

But Madrid never really looked likely to concede and Vinicius should have had a second when played through by Benzema but scooped a shot onto the bar.

A second eventually arrived just before the hour as Hazard won a free-kick 25 yards out, slightly left of centre. Ramos claimed the shot and made it count, whipping a curling effort over the wall and into the top left-hand corner.

Hazard was taken off after 62 minutes, replaced by Toni Kroos, as Zidane began looking ahead to tougher tests to come. In the 83rd minute, Romero was given a debut to remember.

Earlier, Real Sociedad suffered a third consecutive defeat at home to Celta Vigo to leave their challenge for Champions League qualification in tatters.

La Real have taken just a point from their four games since La Liga restarted on June 11 and now sit seventh, six points adrift of Sevilla in fourth.

Iago Aspas' penalty on the stroke of half-time was enough to seal a 1-0 victory for Celta Vigo, who move eight points clear of Mallorca in 18th. Osasuna defeated Alaves 1-0 to climb to 11th. Alaves drop to 13th.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Javier Soriano