Gareth Bale: Wales forward risks further rift with Real Madrid over banner
Last updated on .From the section Wales
"The first thing he thinks about is Wales, then golf and after that, Real Madrid."
Gareth Bale has been criticised in Spain for prioritising playing for Wales - and finding time for a quick 18 holes - over turning out for his club Real Madrid, and the forward certainly enjoyed himself after helping his country to the finals of Euro 2020.
Bale set up Aaron Ramsey's opener against Hungary and excelled throughout as Wales reached their third major tournament.
The 30-year-old has not played for Real since 5 October and his return to international duty was dubbed by the Spanish media as the 'Miracle in Wales' this week.
Wales fans have turned the mantra 'Wales. Golf. Madrid' into a chant, with Bale himself admitting he found the song amusing.
And after securing qualification Bale was front and central as the squad paraded a banner echoing that sentiment.
And it hasn't gone down so well in Spain...
When asked about the sarcasm aimed at him in Spain as he previewed the game, Bale said: "I've heard some stories but I don't really take notice.
"My friends tend to send me some funny pictures or whatever they write.
"I find it hilarious to be honest, especially some of the pictures and stuff my friends send me. On one, it said 'triple bogey' and I've never had a triple bogey! At least give me an albatross! It's funny.
"Maybe to them [the Spanish media] it doesn't look great but it's just a kind of coincidence that the national team comes around this week and I've returned to full training.
"If I'm fit, no matter where I am, I'm going to try to play, whether it be for Wales or Madrid. For me it was a no-brainer: if I'm fit to play then I'll give it my all."
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Didn't the great Zidane tell the world Madrid didn't want him and he'll be gone soon?
Didn't the Madrid fans boo him last season and this one?
You do what you want to do Gareth.
From an English man
Good on Bale - footballers take endless abuse, none more so than those unfortunate enough to endure RM fans. These are people who booed Ronaldo. If Bale wants to take them down a peg or two, all power to him.
Zidane must be wiping the egg from his face.
Vile club who think they can treat players like sh*t and then cry like babies when the player hits back at them.
Well played Wales & well done Gareth
Poor old Madrid eh?
One of the worst clubs for skullduggery in the transfer market. Nothing wrong with Zidane announcing that there was no place for Bale in the summer?
Good on him. Giving Madrid a taste of their own medicine.
Didn’t appreciate him, & all he’s had is permanent stick from the press - I guess he’s had enough & who can blame him.
to leave, the Spanish press have been on his back and he’s tried to move on but been blocked from doing so by Madrid.
In the meantime, he’s trained hard and played well. Maybe not a great move but a mirror image of the lack of respect they’ve shown him.
What are you on about? Madrid have unsettled players from other clubs when them. Then offer the players crazy money to stay. All of a sudden change their minds and publicly announce that they want to get rid. I’m any other place of work, the employer would be frowned upon for this. Bale always said he wanted to stay.
He’s obviously had enough now. Nice to see The boot on the other foot.