Jol: Gareth Bale should stay and become a Tottenham legend

Fulham manager Martin Jol believes Gareth Bale should stay at Tottenham and become a legend at the club.

The Welshman, signed for Spurs as a 17-year-old by Jol in 2007, has risen to become one of the most talked-about players in world football this season and has been linked with a move away from White Hart Lane.

But ahead of his Fulham side’s game against Spurs on Sunday, Jol made it clear he believes Bale can achieve greatness without going elsewhere.

“I hope Bale will stay at Spurs because it’s a very good club for him,” he said.

“Spurs have been getting better and better so why shouldn’t he stay there? They have a big support, they’re a big club with a big fan base and he could be a legend there.

“Being linked with going abroad is always nice but it could be a risk. When I look at other players from England or from Holland – big players – who have done that it doesn’t always come off.

“Whatever he decides to do he will have a big future because he is the best player in the Premier League at the moment.”

Jol also admitted he tried to sign Bale on loan for Hamburg when he was manager there between 2008 and 2009.

“I wanted to get him on loan in Germany at the time but other clubs were trying to get him too and Tottenham did well to keep him,” he explained.

“In hindsight, getting him to sign for Tottenham was very satisfying because everyone could see then he was an exciting talent.”

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