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Bale bigs up Wales' 'massive achievement'

Speaking to UEFA.com, Gareth Bale credits Chris Coleman with having "really changed Welsh football" and promises the Dragons will play to win at UEFA EURO 2016.

Gareth Bale will lead the line for Wales in France
Gareth Bale will lead the line for Wales in France ©Getty Images

UEFA.com: How did you first get involved in football?

Gareth Bale: I just remember at a young age always picking up a football and kicking it around with my dad in the back garden, and with friends. I don't remember too much apart from always having a football in my arms. I watched Wales when I was younger; I remember going with my dad, and my friends, and watching the likes of Ryan Giggs, who was my hero growing up. Obviously he was Welsh, left-footed, playing in the same position, so I always used to idolise him.

UEFA.com: You were only 16 when you made your Wales debut; how did that feel?

Wales’ EURO star: Gareth Bale

Bale: To have a chance to play at such a young age was a little bit of a surprise, I suppose, but something I really wanted to do. It was an unforgettable experience. Now I'm trying to do my best for Wales. I obviously understand that I am a role model for young people, but I try to take it in my stride, act normally, as I am. I don't try to change anything, and hopefully that will lead to the correct example.

UEFA.com Wales's fortunes have been transformed since you joined the team; what has happened?

Bale: When I first started there were a lot of youngsters being introduced to the team; John Toshack and Brian Flynn oversaw and fast-tracked them through. Since I made my debut, [successive managers have] kept doing that, and now we have a young team with a lot of experience and a lot of caps. We've grown together – we've got used to how international football is played, and I think that's showing now. We get on really well, we know each other's games, and that's how we play on the pitch – all together.

UEFA.com: How influential has Chris Coleman been in this process?

Bale: He's been absolutely amazing for me. He's really changed Welsh football; he's given us that identity. I think he's really got a plan in place for us to improve in the future. He wants us to not just qualify this time, but for World Cups and other European Championships. So for me it's massively important that he continues with Wales.

Wales: Top five qualifying goals

UEFA.com: You have said reaching UEFA EURO 2016 was on a par with winning the UEFA Champions League; do you stand by that?

Bale: Yes, definitely. It's a massive achievement for us as a country. It was a historic event for us, and something that I really regard as one of the best achievements I've ever had in football.

UEFA.com: How far do you think you can go at the finals?

Bale: All the teams that have qualified are very good teams, but we're not going there just to make up the numbers. No matter who we play, we feel confident in our abilities. Our aim is to win every game, and if we do that, we win the tournament. We're going to go there and give our best, that's all we can do.

Gareth Bale scoring for Wales in 2006
Gareth Bale scoring for Wales in 2006©Getty Images

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