Gareth Bale hoping to win special China Cup and lift silverware with Wales

Posted Monday, March 26, 2018 by Skysports.com

Gareth Bale is hoping to lift silverware with Wales and win the 'special' China Cup

Gareth Bale says winning the China Cup with Wales would be a special trophy to add to his impressive collection.

The Real Madrid forward has experienced consistent success in his career to date, though could be set to get his hands on a first piece of silverware while wearing the national shirt.

Wales tasted success by reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2016, but it is 81 years since the nation claimed its last outright title by winning the now-defunct British Home Championship in 1937.

"To win any trophy is always good," Bale said ahead of Monday's China Cup final against Uruguay in Nanning.

"But for your country it's that bit more special, it's in your heart and your blood and you want to make the whole country proud.

"Whether it's in a tournament like we are now, or in something like a World Cup, it's always important to win trophies.

"It'll be very high up (in his achievements) and we still have a lot of work to come. But we believe if we play well we can win the tournament.

The 28-year-old has picked up 10 honours with Madrid - including three Champions Leagues, La Liga titles and two FIFA Club World Cup - but he must overcome his Barcelona rival Luis Suarez if he is to triumph with Wales.

"We know Uruguay have some great players, it's not just Suarez," Bale added. "We know it's going to be a difficult game, but we try not to concentrate too much on our opposition, it's more about concentrating on us and what we can do.

"They have some fantastic players and they're going to be dangerous."

Bale is set to win his 70th cap in the fixture, and recently became Wales' all-time record goalscorer with his hat-trick in the 6-0 semi-final win over China - moving one clear of Ian Rush on 29 goals.