Gareth Bale, the boy: 10 photos of the young Welshman pre-Madrid
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Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale , born 16 July 1989 in Cardiff, Wales. He showed a keen interest in various sports from a young age.
Gareth Bale
Football was a passion early on and would eventually come to define him as a sportsman.
Gareth Bale
The talented left-footer grew in stature.
Gareth Bale
Bale's early development came at Southampton, in the youth ranks before progressing to the first team.
Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale in the Saints' shirt.
Gareth Bale y Sir Alex Ferguson
Bale the boy met up with Sir Alex Ferguson
Gareth Bale
An early show of affection to his future club, Real Madrid.
Gareth Bale
Bale also played rugby...he was Welsh afterall.
Gareth Bale
Hockey and atletics also formed part of his sporting youth.
Gareth Bale
Bale even enjoyed a bit of basketball and is seen here in the colours of Miami Heat.