Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey assures Gareth Bale is in 'good shape'

The Wales captain has not played since 8th September when making his 99th appearance in a goalless draw with Estonia in Cardiff.

Gareth Bale in a file photo. (Image: Wales FA Twitter)
By Karthik Raman | Nov 10, 2021 | 3 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Welsh goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey has asserted that Gareth Bale is in “good shape” and ready to boost the country’s World Cup qualifying hopes ahead of his 100th cap. The Wales captain has not played since 8th September when making his 99th appearance in a goalless draw with Estonia in Cardiff. A few days after that qualifier, Bale tore his hamstring but he has reported for international duty ahead of closing World Cup qualifiers against Belarus and Belgium. The Real Madrid forward has trained with the Wales squad on Tuesday.

“He’s looking very well,” Hennessey was quoted as saying by Sky Sports. “He’s in good shape, he’s smiling and laughing – and when you get Gaz like that he’s fantastic to be around.” It was reported that Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti had hoped to include Bale against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday. However, the 32-year-old frontman was not considered fit enough to make the matchday squad.

However, Hennessey believes Bale is good at maintaining his fitness and looking after himself. He added: “He looks after himself very well. He’s always in the gym doing stuff and keeping up on his fitness. He’s very particular what he eats. He looks after his body and is in good shape.”

“What he can do on a football field is absolutely amazing. Everyone knows his talent but he’s a special guy and a special person. He’s down to earth and fame will never change him. He’s a fantastic leader, a leader we’ve enjoyed, and who can hopefully keep leading us. People don’t see that side of him, when he’s in the dressing room. He’s vocal, he has got a fantastic football brain and he’s played at the highest level.”

Hennessey on Bale: We’re always close 

34-year-old Hennessey, who is the goalkeeper of Premier League side Burnley, and Bale have been team-mates for nearly 15 years. “I’ve known Gareth for a long time and he’s just a pure gentleman,” he said.

“I’ve seen him develop from a young boy to the highest limits you can obviously think of. We’re always close and have a laugh. But it’s always at the right time and we’re serious at the right time whenever we step on that pitch.

“He’s scored some special goals for Wales. I always liked the England one at Euro 2016. That always sticks in my head. I know Joe Hart and he was in goal. What Gaz does with his free-kicks – and what he does with the ball in general – is special.”

For a long time, Hennessey was Wales’ first-choice goalkeeper. However, he has lost the number one slot to Leicester’s Danny Ward over the last year. Hennessey is now three games short of the 100-cap milestone himself. “I’d love to get that three figures for myself and my whole family – it would be a massive achievement,” said Hennessey.

“Competition is always healthy. I’ve always said that through my career and we’re all keeping each other on our toes. It’s worse on the bench because you can’t really get involved and do anything. I do skip a few heartbeats when I’m on the side.”





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