Gareth Bale close to Wales moment more meaningful than 5 Champions League medals

With full respect to Ukraine, they would not expect Wales to step aside out of sentiment as the likes of Bale and Aaron Ramsey chase World Cup qualification

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Gunter understands Bale and Ramsey concerns ahead of play-off

Gareth Bale deserves to crown a fantastic career as British football’s greatest export by leading Wales to the World Cup finals.

On top of his five Champions League winner’s medals with Real Madrid, it would be the cherry on the cake. I know how proud Bale is to wear the red shirt, and how much it would mean to him and his family if he became the first Wales captain for 64 years to play at the World Cup.

He has already inspired his country at two European Championship tournaments, and reaching the semi-finals in 2016 was an unforgettable highlight. But I still suspect Bale has one more piece of magic, one more rabbit to pull from the hat, at the highest level before he takes the final curtain.

Playing at a World Cup is probably the only piece missing from his collection of greatest hits. I hope he makes it, and if it has to be at the expense of Ukraine in this Sunday’s play-off, I hope we can still celebrate his achievement. Along with millions of others, I have been shocked by the suffering of the Ukrainian people and the scenes we see on TV every night are heartbreaking to watch.

If Ukraine reach the World Cup, I will be their biggest supporter. I’m listening to people saying they should get a free pass to the finals in Qatar because of what is happening to their country, and outside Wales I can understand everyone wants them to win in Cardiff.

Of course, I have every sympathy with their plight as a nation, and the Russian invasion of their territory is unforgivable. But for many of this Wales team, possibly including Bale, reaching a World Cup would be the pinnacle of their careers. They cannot be expected to step aside, or lay down out of sentiment.

Would I like to see Ukraine at the World Cup? Yes – but not at Wales’ expense. They must earn the right to be in Qatar on the football pitch. Too many great players, from Ian Rush to Mark Hughes, Ryan Giggs and Gary Speed, missed out on the chance to play on the biggest stage for Wales – and I don’t want another generation to go through the same disappointment.

Have Your Say! What is Gareth Bale’s greatest achievement in football? Join the debate here.

At 32, this may be Bale’s last chance, and the same could be said for Aaron Ramsey, who will be desperate for a happier ending to the season than his saved penalty in the Europa League final shoot-out with Rangers. Much of this Wales team’s success has been built around the Bale-Ramsey axis, and it will be a key factor against Ukraine.

It will be an emotionally-charged occasion, and I know everyone will respect the Ukrainians’ predicament, but I still hope my beloved Wales win and Bale adds one more layer of gloss to a phenomenal career. Would it be his greatest achievement? That’s for him to decide, not me – but I suspect it would be his proudest.