Lack of respect from Real to Bale – agent Barnett

GARETH Bale’s agent has slammed Real Madrid for a lack of respect, following the Wales star’s return to Tottenham Hotspur.

Bale rejoined Spurs on loan from the Spanish giants last week –seven years after swapping England for Spain.

The 31-year-old helped Real to 13 major trophies, including four Champions League titles. However, his relationship with the fans turned sour and was frozen out of the side under current boss Zinedine Zidane, while also hampered by injury.

Jonathan Barnett, who represents Bale, believes his client deserves more respect at the Bernabeu for what he has achieved.

“He’s never fallen out of love with football – he may have fallen out of love with other things – but not playing football,” Barnett told TALKSPORT. “I think back at Tottenham people will realise that.

“There was a build-up of clashing personalities (at Real Madrid), a build-up of not being supported – many different things.

“I think for someone who has done as well and a great as he has been for Real Madrid he didn’t get the respect he deserved. I think that was a big problem.

“I’ve been his agent since he was a very young boy and I’m so proud of him – not because of his achievements and everything else - but he’s become a great man.

“He’s never said anything wrong, he’s never done anything, his life has been exemplary really.

“What’s he’s achieved for them (Real Madrid) they should be kissing the floor that he walks on.”

In a separate interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Barnett said: “In my opinion, he wasn’t treated correctly for somebody who’s done so much for a great club. I think that things were wrong.

“It’s hard to put one finger on it, but I think somebody who has achieved what he has achieved for a club, in seven years, should have been treated better.

“I don’t want to blame anybody or go into it. I think what the fans did was disgraceful and the club didn’t help. That’s all I really want to get into.”

Barnett also suggested Bale could extend his stay at Spurs beyond the end of this season if everything goes well.

“I’m sure that if things really worked out well, we’d have no problem,” he added.

“This is the club he wants to play at. I don’t see any problems if he wants another year.”