Gareth Bale delivers one-word tribute as legend sees Tottenham make history
Gareth Bale has delivered a message to Tottenham after the North Londoners beat Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final.
Brennan Johnson’s first-half goal proved enough for Spurs to beat the Red Devils in Bilbao, as Ange Postecoglou’s backline stood firm.
Remarkably, Tottenham have won their first trophy since 2008 and will compete in next season’s Champions League even though they sit just 17th in the Premier League.
But events in Bilbao on Wednesday, 21 May, have become one of the finest moments in Spurs’ history, as they clinched a European trophy for the first time since 1984.
Bale celebrates Tottenham’s Europa League triumph via social media
Real Madrid and Wales legend Bale enjoyed a stellar Tottenham career before moving to the Spanish capital in 2013 and returning to North London on loan in 2020.
| Gareth Bale Tottenham stats | 2007-2013 and 2020-2021 |
| Appearances | 237 |
| Goals | 71 |
| Assists | 53 |
The 35-year-old appeared as a pundit for TNT Sports on Wednesday, and later posed with freshly crowned Europa League champions Son Heung-Min and Ben Davies.
Bale wrote on Instagram [22 May]: “History” alongside a trophy emoji and a white heart emoji.
Champions League status can bolster Tottenham’s transfer activity
The most important aspect of Tottenham’s Europa League triumph is the fact that they have finally clinched silverware for the first time since their League Cup triumph back in 2008.
Regardless of how poorly the North Londoners have performed in the Premier League this term, Postecoglou has written his name into Spurs’ history books.
But their Europa League success also means that Postecoglou’s men will be competing in the Champions League next season, even after losing 25 games in all competitions this term.
Tottenham’s newfound Champions League status will help the North London outfit’s recruitment in the summer transfer window, even while the manager’s future remains in the balance.
Spurs have set their sights on a move for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, while Tottenham’s Europa League triumph could make them a more attractive club to join.
Spurs must recruit well this summer to avoid another poor campaign in the Premier League.