Gareth Bale: As a child, what career or life did you imagine for yourself?

The question

As a child, what career or life did you imagine for yourself?

Originally asked

The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A

This is a standing question in The Guardian's decades-long The Q&A and also recurs independently in career and life interviews.

You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.

Gareth Bale

Welsh footballer

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

I just wanted to fulfil my potential.

The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 21 August 2021 source ↗

Others on this question

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Louis Walsh Irish music manager and television personality

I just wanted to work in music. I didn’t want a real job.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 2 September 2017 source ↗

Joanne Froggatt English actress

An actor – that’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. I went to stage school when I was 13.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 23 February 2019 source ↗

Sue Perkins British actress, singer, writer and comedian

An eye surgeon. I had an operation on my cornea when I was little, and remember being deeply enamoured with the team who looked after me. Subsequently, I was very disappointed to learn that a degree of scientific aptitude was required for the job, which ruled me out.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 27 October 2018 source ↗

Gloria Steinem Writer and feminist organiser

First a horse rancher, then a dancer.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 4 March 2017 source ↗

More from Gareth Bale

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Question What thought won't let you sleep? Daily life

I sleep very well. Nothing keeps you awake when you know within yourself how much you care, how much you give, and that you always try your best. And that’s true for me, whether it’s on the pitch, on the international stage leading the line for my country, or at home.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 21 August 2021 source ↗