Gareth Bale has described the goal that won the Copa del Rey for Real Madrid as the most important goal he has ever scored.
The Wales international picked up the ball on the half-way line in the 85th minute against Barcelona on Wednesday, beat Marc Bartra for pace and nutmegged Jose Pinto to seal a 2-1 win for Los Blancos.
In an interview with AS, Bale has spoken of the importance of the goal but revealed it’s not the first time he’s scored a goal of that kind.
“I scored a similar goal for Wales not that long ago,” Bale said.
“I had to run off the field, trying to dodge Bartra, and finally I could do it. Fortunately the goal came at the end of the move.
“I literally had to go around him but I was just focused on the ball. He wanted to push or block me but couldn’t.
“There was no looking back to see if the ball had gone out. I was just focused on the ball.”
Asked for his response to the spectacular effort being the goal that delivered a trophy in his first season in Spain, Bale admitted he was on cloud nine.
“I feel amazing. It’s my first trophy with Madrid and I hope there are more to come,” the former Tottenham Hotspur winger said.
“It was great to score and win the trophy. I’m happy, but I think we can get even more this season.
“We showed our character to recover after Barca equalised, which was an unexpected blow to us.”
Bale was asked directly if the goal was the most important he has ever scored.
“Yes. Probably, yes. I didn’t really think about it. I’m trying to celebrate now, to enjoy the moment and hopefully I’ll be able to look back and see this as a great moment,” Bale replied.
“I’ve always followed Madrid and the reason I came here is to win all the trophies. I’m happy.
“What is important is not to get carried away and keep our feet on the ground. Bayern Munich are a great team and you have to take each game as it comes.”
The signing of Bale was questioned earlier in the season after he struggled to get to grips with his new surroundings, but Bale insists he never doubted himself.
“I’m not worried about what people say. What’s important to me is to focus on my game and get the least possible attention. I’m happy with my performance,” he added.
“The win was for all the fans in Mestalla that have helped us. The atmosphere was fantastic, the team was great and it was the perfect night.”
Bale’s goal came down the left wing normally patrolled by Cristiano Ronaldo, who missed the game through injury.
Ronaldo and Bale embraced after the game and Bale said the victory was one achieved by all the team, including the stricken Portuguese.
“Cristiano congratulated me. He was very happy,” Bale revealed.
“He played in an earlier round. It was a great team effort. We all work and we all deserve it.
“It was hard work as a team and we handled the tournament very well.”
