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Gareth Bale: Cristiano Ronaldo leaving Real Madrid is GOOD NEWS - Collins
CRISTIANO RONALDO’s exit from Real Madrid is good news for both Gareth Bale and Wales.
That is the opinion of former West Ham and Wales defender James Collins.
Ronaldo left Real Madrid in a surprise move to Juventus earlier this summer.
Bale has taken on the mantle of Ronaldo so far, scoring in each of Real’s first three La Liga games of the season.
Bale started for Wales in their Nations League opener against the Republic of Ireland.
I think as long as Cristiano was there you probably thought he was in the shadow for a long time
And ahead of the match, Sky Sports presenter and former Chelsea defender Scott Minto asked if Ronaldo’s departure had helped Wales.
“Youngsters coming through but the main man of course is Gareth Bale,” Minto said.
“And he is now the main man at Real Madrid, with Cristiano Ronaldo gone. Is that fantastic, even better news for Wales?”
And Collins says it can only be good news for Bale to be the main man for both club and country.
“I think it’s better news,” Collins said.
“I think as long as Cristiano was there you probably thought he was in the shadow for a long time.
“But like you say, now he’s gone and Gareth can really come forward, which he has.”
Collins was part of the Wales squad when Gareth Bale burst onto the scene.
And the 35-year-old says he always knew Bale would be a star.
“You just had that feel about him, even in training,” Collins continued.
“He was the first of the real quick full-backs, attacking more than defending which is why he’s ended up playing further forward.
“Like you said he’s come on unbelievably and around the dressing room, around the hotel, you’d never believe he was one of the best players in the world.”
Bale scored a stunning goal for Wales this evening, as Ryan Giggs' side beat Republic of Ireland 4-1 in the Nations League.