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REAL WARNING
Gareth Bale warned not to repeat Carlos Tevez mistakes in China by former Wales and Hebei China Fortune No 2 Kit Symons
GARETH BALE has been told not to repeat the mistakes Carlos Tevez made in China.
The Wales superstar is on the verge of signing an eye-watering £1MILLION-A-WEEK deal to join Jiangsu Suning from Real Madrid.
Former Manchester United and City striker Tevez earned £615,000 a week when he moved to Shanghai Shenhua in 2017.
But the former West Ham forward was BOOED by his own fans in the Far East and branded unprofessional after labelling his stay as a “seven-month holiday”.
Now Kit Symons, who worked with Bale as Chris Coleman’s assistant at Wales, says the 30- year-old will be fully committed — unlike Argie flop Tevez.
Symons, who was also Cookie’s No 2 at Chinese Super League side Hebei China Fortune until they were sacked in May, said: “If Gaz wanted to wind down, China is not the place to go.
“They won’t tolerate those going for a jolly up.
“Tevez went to Shanghai and didn’t produce.
“He was a massive flop, overweight and booted out of town.
“If you go, you need to be fully committed to it.
“Gaz will get top dollar but the Chinese people will expect a return for their money.
“There is still life in Gaz, 100 per cent. He’s a lot of football left in him.”
Bale has been frozen out by Real manager Zinedine Zidane, despite winning four Champions League titles in six years at the Bernabeu.
He also scored in two finals — most famously with a stunning overhead kick in a 3-1 win against Liverpool last year.
Former Wales international defender Symons, 48, said: “The Chinese people love a superstar and he will be very well received over there.
“With his standing in the game, he’d be the biggest signing they’ve had.
“He has good memories of China. He scored a hat-trick for Wales there and broke Ian Rush’s record. It’s not a gimme but if he stays fit, is focused and his attitude is right he will rip the league up.”
Symons added: “The world needs to see him enjoying his football again — he has to leave Real.
“People have said he should ask for a drop in wages. Why?
“Real gave him that contract but he’s not valued or wanted by the manager or fans now.
“It’s monopoly money but that’s what clubs pay.
“Jiangsu will be getting one of the best players in the world.
“And it’s massive for Wales. I don’t think Ryan Giggs will be disappointed because Gaz will be playing regularly.”
Symons spent almost 12 months at Beijing-based Hebei and enjoyed the experience.
He said: “I was open-minded and enjoyed the cultural things China has to offer.
“My girls came out and we tried all sorts, such as snake and chicken claws.
“It’s different and not for all but I loved it.”
