Gareth Bale has been announced as the latest Punditry acquisition of TNT Sport
Gareth Bale has never been to avoid a little bit of joke, and his brutal wipe in Manchester United earlier this year Rio Ferdinand visibly rattled. The incident, which took place during TNT Sports's report about Tottenham's victory over United in the Europa League final in May, has gained a new meaning now that Bale Ferdinand has officially replaced as an expert on the Premier League panel of the broadcaster.
Back in Bilbao's San Mames Stadium, Tottenham ended their 17-year-old trophy-dried with a 1-0 win, thanks to a casual Brennan Johnson goal. Bale, who won the PFA player of the year twice while he was at Spurs, was on a punditry obligation and could not resist resisting an excavation at the expense of United.
Responding to the social media of Tottenham who have fun with the term 'spursy' – often used to describe their historical tendency to falter in large games – reversed the script. “It can be a united thing now, I tell you!” He joked with a grin, suggesting that the Red Devils had inherited the unwanted label of underperforming at crucial moments.
The comment left Ferdinand, a united icon, writhing. “Can we get out of the sky now?” He reportedly muttered, clearly not impressed by Bale's Jab.
The exchange was a light-hearted moment for viewers and offers a window on the charisma and fast humor that possibly moved TNT sports to the 36-year-old.
The broadcaster officially announced Bale's appointment on Monday, together with four other newcomers: ex-West Hamster Mikhail Antonio, former Lionesses Fara Williams and Anita Asante, and ex-Schotland Ladies Ace Jen Beattie.
Bale stands out like the crème of the crop, with the five times Champions League-winning Welshman who can bring his global football tribe to the studio. His illustrious career – who included a legendary spell of eight years at Real Madrid, two stints in Tottenham and a crucial role in Wales to the semi -final of 2016 euros – gives him an unparalleled credibility.
In contrast to Ferdinand, whose analysis often leaned on his defensive expertise and united specific perspective, Bale offers a wider lens, formed by his experiences in top clubs and different countries. His playful puncture at United showed that he was not afraid to stir the pot, a feature that could make him a favorite of a fan in the studio.
Tottenham's victory and the subsequent comments by Bale also emphasized his lasting connection with the club. He praised the then manager Ange Postecoglou's tactics and credited the Australian to deliver a trophy despite a shaky Premier League campaign.
“I love the football that he plays,” said Bale, although he brutally added that Postecoglou “misses a bit of a plan B.” Such frankness, in combination with its natural charm, suggests that Bale will bring a new dynamic for TNT sports.
Ferdinand has been one of their most recognizable faces on TNT during Premier League, Champions League and Europa League matches and is always present since he came to the previous name BT Sport of the channel in 2015.
The 46-year-old said he wanted to experience a new chapter and to concentrate on his own YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand presents, as well as his other business interests.
In the meantime, Bale will connect a large number of famous names to the broadcaster, including his former Spursea teammate Peter Crouch, Chelsea icon Joe Cole, Liverpool Greats Michael Owen and Steve McManaman and Scottish Legend Ally McCoist.