‘Bale should have grand send-off’

GARETH Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett says the Welshman deserves a grand send-off when he leaves Real Madrid this summer and fans at the Bernabeu will one day regret their treatment of the Welshman.

Bale is set to leave Real when his contract runs out at the end of the season, bringing an end to a trophy-laden but tumultuous nine-year spell at the club.

Attention will now turn to what happens next, with Bale clearly hoping to lead Wales to a first World Cup since 1958 later this year.

However, his lack of game time under Carlo Ancelotti this season will no doubt be a concern, despite his recent heroics for Wales, whom he helped to a 2-1 win over Austria in the World Cup play-offs recently.

Bale has played just five games in all competitions for Real this season, but is in the squad for tonight’s Champions League clash with Chelsea.

Speaking to Spanish TV outlet Deportes Cuatro, Barnett admitted the lack of game time has been down to Ancelotti, dismissing suggestions that Bale has taken himself out of contention.

“Bale doesn’t have to prove anything to the fans. He hasn’t done anything wrong,” Barnett continued. “He is a quiet guy who doesn’t want to talk to the press, just play football. What should he explain himself for?

“He speaks Spanish. What happens is that people who don’t know him say it. Stupid and ignorant people who haven’t spoken to him. It’s a shame. He’s been very happy In Madrid, he arrived as a young man, his children were born there, he has donated a lot of money to Spanish hospitals for Covid and he loves the city and the club. I think the parasites are the ones who speak ill of him.”

Barnett has called on the club to recognise Bale’s achievements when he finally closes the book on his time with Los Blancos in the summer.

“Bale deserves a grand farewell from the club. And no, we have not yet decided on the future,” Barnett continued. “The president [Perez] has behaved very well and has been very loyal and has supported him.

“In the next 20 years the fans will see how good Bale was, and they will regret it.”