Wales give me the Real kicks

BALE HAPPY TO BE HOME

GARETH BALE admits he gets “more excited” playing for Wales than Real Madrid as his Spain woes continue to mount.

Bale is receiving more stick in Spain after turning up for international duty despite having not played for Real since October 5. The star has not featured since scoring in Wales’ 1-1 draw against Croatia on October 13 after injuring his calf late in the Euro 2020 qualifier.

He says playing for his country is extra special after his Spanish spell turned sour when boss Zinedine Zidane tried to force him out last summer. Asked if playing for Wales gave him more joy ahead of today’s qualifier in Azerbaijan, Bale replied: “Yes, definitely. It’s like playing with your mates down the park on a Sunday.

“I’ve been with most of the older players since we were in Under-17s.

“With Wales, I’m speaking my own language and feel more comfortable. I definitely have a bit more excitement playing with Wales. But it doesn’t change what I give on the pitch. I always give 100 per cent wherever I am.”

Bale has been criticised by Real team-mate Toni Kroos for joining up with Wales, having missed club games, with the German saying “maybe this is not the best time”.

And Real legend Predrag Mijatovic said Bale’s priorities are “Wales, golf and – after that – Real Madrid”. But Bale said: “I’ve tried to get back as quickly as I could. If Real Madrid had a game this weekend I’d have been fit and training to play.

“I guess maybe to them it doesn’t look good, but it is a coincidence the national team has come by and I have returned to full training.

“If I’m fit, no matter where I am, I’m going to try to play.”

WALES (probable): Hennessey; Roberts, Lockyer, Mepham, Davies; Ampadu, Ramsey; Bale, Wilson, James, Moore.