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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ian Mitchelmore

The moment a Slovakian journalist's unexpected question left Gareth Bale and an entire press conference in stitches

Gareth Bale has often stolen the limelight during what's been a stunning international career so far.

And ahead of Wales' Euro 2020 qualifier with Slovakia - the team Bale scored his first ever international goal against - the Real Madrid star addressed the media after manager Ryan Giggs had also spoken to reporters.

Bale - who surpassed Ian Rush's goalscoring record last year - spoke about Aaron Ramsey's injury, his memories of Wales' victory against the Slovakians at Euro 2016 as well as the impact of Giggs since his arrival in January 2018.

But the press conference at Cardiff City Stadium ended in different fashion to usual.

Slovakian journalists were allocated time to ask questions at the end of the press conference.

Wales' Gareth Bale (Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency)

And those assembled in the press room at the home of the Bluebirds erupted with laughter as a journalist - via a translator - asked to have a picture with Bale.

"He's just asking if it's possible, he's never met such a great footballer, he's asking if it is possible to have a picture," said the translator.

And Bale responded: "Yeah sure, no problem. It's a good last question."

Bale duly obliged and posed with the journalist for a picture following the conclusion of the press conference.

The inspiring videos Wales are watching to prepare for Slovakia Euro 2020 qualifier  

The 29-year-old's free-kick against Slovakia in France was Wales' first ever goal at a European Championship.

Having netted against the same country on his third outing for Wales in October 2006, Bale has fond memories of facing the Slovakians.

And the Cardiff-born star hopes to further add to his tally of 31 goals for Wales over the coming months as Wales look to qualify for the Euros once again.

"I always feel like I fancy a goal," said Bale.

How Euro 2020 qualifiers work: Wales' fixtures, the Nations League and what needs to happen for them to qualify  

"Obviously I have scored against them a few times before but going into the game makes no difference.

"I am still going to have to try my hardest to score goals to help the team, it’s the same for everybody.

"We want to be playing in the major tournaments and experience what we have been through. We need to produce again, we need to work hard as a team.

"We know over the campaign we are going to need everybody. We just have to keep working hard as a team, playing the way we do and, grinding out that winning mentality, that feeling and keep progressing game by game."

How Wales could line up against Slovakia as Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey is ruled out of Euro 2020 qualifier  

 
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