Where to start. This man was incredible for Tottenham. He was the best we'd seen for so long, and his career as a whole reflects that.
He broke the transfer record, at the time, and understandably so. He was carrying us on his back at times, in his last season, and you cannot blame him for leaving. The decision clearly paid off in the end.
Gareth was a complete menace. You could see, he simply struck fear into defenders' eyes when he ran at them, and the way he could strike a ball was remarkable.
That night at the San Siro was the making of him, and from then on, he just exploded. After he left Spurs, he made an immediate impact at Real Madrid scoring in some crucial games, against Barcelona, Atletico in the Champions League Final etc. He had some fabulous moments in a Wales shirt too, playing a crucial part in their Euro 2016 campaign, where they reached the Semi Final, and being the man who bailed them out so often. Then, of course that Champions League final brace against Liverpool. Wow. The best goal in a Champions League final ever. Talk about rising for the occasion.
Afterwards, he inevitably returned to Tottenham, after years of transfer rumours and an undeserved sour end in Madrid. He finally returned. He may have been past his best, but he still showed some real moments of class, which brought joy to so many Tottenham fans. It didn't really work for him back in N17, but many appreciated the fact that he finally came home after so long. It was just a shame barely any fans were able to watch him back at the new stadium.
Who would have thought that the boy we bought from Southampton in 2007 for £7 million would have turned out to be one of the best British players ever. I'd say probably the best evolution that football has ever seen. He has the trophies to show for it too, individually and collectively. I'm sure players like a certain Harry Kane will be slightly envious of Gareth's collection. And fair enough.
Anyway, I cannot overstate how lucky many of us were to see him in a Spurs shirt. His legacy will live on forever. No doubt. Happy retirement, Gareth. See you on the golf course.
He was born to play for Spurs.
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