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Gareth Bale handed golf ban ahead of World Cup

Gareth Bale at Wales
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The Wales captain needs to put aside his beloved hobby during the tournament.

Wales manager Rob Page will not allow Gareth Bale to play golf in their preparation camp for the World Cup. 

The Welsh star is an avid golf fan, with his love for the sport causing several controversies during his time at Real Madrid.

As Wales prepare for their first World Cup in 1958, Page has made sure the star winger stays focused throughout the tournament.

Asked about Bale’s love for gold, he responded: “Yeah. There’s no golf. We’re out there to do a job.”

He added: “In the past I may get Gareth, Kieffer Moore or Aaron Ramsey come up to me and say, ‘What’s the plan for tomorrow afternoon? Are there meetings?’

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“I’d say, ‘No, there’s no meetings, so if you want nine holes then go and play’.

“But that is when you have a week building up to a double-header. Out there, we won’t have enough time. Every four days there is a game. It’s relentless.”

A major injury scare put Bale’s World Cup chances in danger after LAFC’s victory in the MLS Cup final last week. However, the 33-year-old is optimistic he’ll be able to play for the Dragons in the upcoming tournament.

“I’m not 100 per cent at the moment, still coming back,” Bale said on Sunday. “I have a few little issues like most players do. But we spoke about, that if I was needed for the last 20, 30 minutes, then I’m available.”

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