By Daily Sports on November 23, 2019
Zinedine Zidane has urged Real Madrid fans to get behind Gareth Bale and insists he does not believe the Welshman is happier playing for his country than his club.
Madrid play Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, when Bale is likely to feel the frustration of the home supporters.
The 30-year-old sparked outrage in the Spanish press this week after he celebrated Wales' victory over Hungary on Monday with a flag from the crowd that read: "Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order".
The slogan has been adopted by Welsh fans after an interview given by former Madrid player Pedja Mijatovic to Cadena Ser last month, in which he referred to those as Bale's priorities.
It has been interpreted in Spain as a slight against Real Madrid, particularly after Bale played twice for Wales over the international break, having missed the last six matches for his club through injury.
But, in a press conference on Friday, Zidane refused to criticise Bale. "When you look at what he has given to the club and the fans, that is what we are all here for: for the club.
"Gareth is one of the team and the fans have to be behind us, always. I will always be behind my players. Outside, things can happen but inside, we should only look at the football."
While on international duty, Bale admitted he feels more excitement representing Wales, with teammates he has grown up with and who speak the same language.
Asked if Bale is happier playing for his country than his club, Zidane said: "I don't think so, maybe it's better for him with the language, but he seemed happy when he scored in the Champions League final.
"It's just the language, he said it. Inside the dressing room here, he's good." (SuperSport)
•PHOTO: Gareth Bale
Source Daily Sports
Posted November 23, 2019
You may also like...
Tevez: Footballers Can Survive A Year Without Pay...
Eriksen Resumes Training Months After Suffering Cardiac Arrest...
AFN Performance Director, Okorie, Joins ‘Team Leaders’ Tour...
Victor Ortiz to lace gloves against Devon Alexander...
Osaka Fined, Threatened With French Open Disqualification Over...
Ederson & Jesus Could Return For Man City...