Gareth Bale has landed himself a job as Tottenham Hotspur pundit ahead of this week's Europa League final against Manchester United in Bilbao.
The Welsh winger retired in 2023 after a short stint at MLS club LAFC. Bale had a tumultuous relationship at Real Madrid where he won a brilliant five Champions Leagues, three La Ligas, three Club World Cups, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup. He also represented his country at a couple of major tournaments and was named Wales' footballer of the year, six years in a row.
However in north London, it is his time spent at Spurs that is remembered most fondly. In two separate stints, Bale made 237 appearances for the club, scoring 71 goals and grabbing 53 assists.
His only trophy with the club was Spurs' last success - the 2008 League Cup. Bale will be hopeful that 17 years of hurt will come to an end on Wednesday night while he is in attendance.
The 35-year-old shall join Rio Ferdinand, Glenn Hoddle and Paul Scholes in Bilbao for TNT Sports' coverage of the Europa League final. Since leaving professional football, Bale has kept a low profile and his punditry career has been selective.
He appeared earlier this season in November 2024 with TNT Sports as he joined their team for Liverpool's Champions League clash with Real Madrid. However, he has been used sparingly since and this shall mark his return in front of the camera.
As for the match itself, the stakes could not be higher for both teams. Tottenham and United have struggled in the Premier League and sit 17th and 16th respectively prior to the final.
The winner of the match shall qualify for the Champions League next season which has the potential to change either side's transfer window plans greatly. Supporters wishing to watch the final will be able to do so for free in the UK on Wednesday night via the Discovery+ app.