Gareth Bale’s return to Tottenham Hotspur generated plenty of headlines this summer.
The Wales international has moved back to north London on an initial loan deal, finally bringing to an end his miserable spell in Spain.
Of course, Bale won plenty of trophies during his time in Madrid – including four Champions Leagues and two La Liga trophies – but he was ultimately frozen out by manager Zinedine Zidane and jeered by his own supporters.
Now back at the club where he made his name, one has to believe that Bale is hoping to recapture some of the love he surely felt during his first spell.
And it appears that his second debut has now been pencilled into the calendar.
The Daily Telegraph reports that Bale is set to make his comeback appearance following the international break against West Ham United.
The Wales international was left out of his country’s squad for the friendly against England earlier this week as he focused on his recovery at Hotspur Way.
The report claims that he is desperate to succeed in England and that he is set to be involved against the Hammers.
Bale was also reportedly near to full fitness before the game against Manchester United but was not risked; he was not missed as Spurs won 6-1 at Old Trafford.
GIVEMESPORT’S Harry Sherlock says…
This is poetic.
Bale may not have become a star in games against West Ham but one of his finest moments during his first spell came at Upton Park.
Back in February of 2013, with the two sides locked level at 2-2 and the clock ticking over into injury time, he sent a stunning drive from 25 yards into the top corner to give his side all three points.
In total, Bale has scored three goals in six games against the Hammers, and will be hoping to write a new chapter in his storied career when the two sides come face to face next weekend.
With Spurs in the form they are, fresh from their thumping win over United, few would bet against it.