Former Tottenham star Gareth Bale sends seven-word message to Masters champion Rory McIlroy

Gareth Bale has sent a message to Rory McIlroy on social media following his stunning win at the Masters to finally complete the career grand slam.

McIlroy beat Justin Rose in a play-off on Sunday at Augusta National, with the Northern Irishman falling to the floor after holing the winning putt. "It's a dream come true," McIlroy said after being handed the special green jacket. "I have dreamt about that moment for as long as I can remember.

"Watching Tiger (Woods) here in 1997 do what he did, winning his first green jacket, I think that inspired so many of my generation to want to emulate what he did. It feels incredible. This is my 17th time here and I started to wonder if it would ever be my time.

"The last 10 years coming here with the burden of the grand slam on my shoulder and trying to achieve it, I wonder what we’re going to talk about going into next year. I’m absolutely honoured, thrilled and proud to be able to call myself a Masters champion."

A number of people have taken to social media to congratulate McIlroy's Masters win, which makes him just the sixth golfer to win all four major tournaments. Bale took to Instagram on Monday and said: "Masters Champ. Incredible achievement. History made. Congrats @rorymcilroy."

Alongside the post was a snap of Bale and McIlroy playing golf together at the BMW PGA Championship 2024, with the pair smiling and shaking hands. Former Real Madrid ace Bale is a keen golfer himself and is good friends with McIlroy.

Appearing on the podcast earlier this year, McIlroy was quizzed on which footballers had impressed him on the golf course most, with Bale right up there. He commented: "I’ve played with Teddy Sheringham – good player. Gareth Bale – he has the potential to get to scratch [a handicap of zero].

"The way he hits the ball he could be a scratch player, but he’s only played for the last few years. There is a difference between being able to hit the golf ball well and getting yourself around the golf course and managing your game – that’s the part he’s [Gareth Bale] learning now."