Bale's agent reveals what he said to him when suggested to play for England

Gareth Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett has revealed how the Real Madrid winger brutally rejected the idea of playing for England.

Barnett said Bale explained 'how special Wales' was to him when they first met and threatened to find another agent if he suggested playing for the Three Lions again.

As a result, Barnett described Bale - who is set to make his 100th international appearance for the Dragons on Saturday - as a 'fanatical Welshman'.

Speaking to AS about the winger, Barnett said: 'If he gets to the World Cup with Wales, I think that will be his crowning glory.

'From the first day I met him and his father, he said to us how special Wales was.

'When we spoke to him, he had the possibility to play for England. He said, 'Never say that again if you want to be my agent!'

'He is a ­fanatical Welshman.'

Bale played a pivotal role for Wales during their Euro 2016 campaign - which ultimately ended in a 2-0 defeat to the eventual winners Portugal.

The 32-year-old was also named as the Wales captain for the 2020 European Championships.

Having been knocked out at the round-of-16 stage by Denmark, many believed Bale would retire from international football.

However, Bale ruled out speculation that he had played his last match for Wales and insisted he was focused on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

As a result, Bale could make his 100th international appearance for Wales on Saturday when they face Belarus in their World Cup qualifier.

The Real Madrid winger would become only the second Welshman to reach the 100-cap milestone after team-mate Chris Gunter, who achieved the feat in March.

Saturday's fixture would also mark Bale's return from injury after tearing his hamstring back in September.

Bale made three appearances and scored once for Madrid this season before being sidelined.