Gareth Bale

Welsh international signed from Southampton as a 17-year-old in May, 2007.

Gareth made an impressive start to his Spurs career, scoring on only his second appearance in a 3-3 draw at Fulham in September 2007.

The following game, the then 18-year-old opened the scoring in his first North London derby with Arsenal at White Hart Lane with a superbly struck free-kick.

But a foot injury picked up in a 3-2 home defeat against Birmingham City in December 2007 ended his maiden season prematurely.  

Cardiff-born Gareth recovered and signed a new contract at the Club in August 2008, committing him until 2012.

He made 30 first team appearances during 2008-09, playing either as a left-back or left-winger.  

Gareth made his professional debut for Southampton against Millwall towards the end of the 2005-06 campaign and went on to be capped at Under-21 level before becoming the youngest ever Wales international when he came off the bench against Trinidad and Tobago in June, 2006.

His first Welsh start came at White Hart Lane in September 2006 when Brazil provided the opposition and a first international goal quickly followed against Slovakia in a European Championship qualifier - making him the country's youngest goalscorer.

Gareth made 45 appearances for Southampton, scoring five goals before his switch to the Lane.

Click here to view images of Gareth Bale.

Click here to play as Gareth Bale in the Tottenham Hotspur Volley Challenge.

Gareth Bale Desktop Wallpaper     Select size and download now