Ukraine war is heartbreaking… but there’ll be no apologies if we win, says Bale

GARETH BALE is adamant Wales will be unapologetic if they end Ukraine’s World Cup dream in Sunday’s play-off.

Skipper Bale says his side cannot allow the war to affect them in Cardiff.

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Asked whether he would say sorry to the Ukrainian players if Wales knock them out, Bale replied: “As horrible as it sounds, no.

“It is a game of football and it is a competition that we want to get to as well.

“Everyone in the world feels for Ukraine. We understand what it will do for Ukraine — but we want to get to the World Cup.

“That is not coming from a horrible place, it is coming from our country and hearts, as we want to deliver for our own fans.”

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Bale, 32, enjoyed one of the greatest nights of his career in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv when he scored a bicycle kick in Real Madrid’s 2018 Champions League final win over Liverpool.

And he admitted those memories meant images of the war in Ukraine hit home even deeper.

He said: “It’s surreal knowing that you’ve been to Kyiv, to Ukraine.

“Just seeing the pictures and reading about what’s going on is heartbreaking.”

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Wales are hoping to qualify for their first World Cup finals in 64 years.

And while the rest of the world may want Ukraine to reach Qatar, Bale knows his side will be roared on by the vast majority of a packed house.

He added: “We’ll be the most popular team in the stadium — that’s the main thing.”

Ukraine midfielder Oleksandr Karavaev says his family will be unable to watch tonight’s match.

Karavaev, of Dynamo Kyiv, said: “There is no internet. But they communicate by messages.

“Sport is sport and we don’t expect presents from Wales or an unfair win.”