Madrid (AFP)
"Wales, golf, Madrid In this order": posing Tuesday in front of a provocative flag to celebrate the qualification for the Euro-2020, the Welshman Gareth Bale has attracted criticism in Spain, where his investment in the jersey Real is often questioned.
Winners 2-0 from Hungary, Bale and Wales have qualified for their second consecutive Euro, four years after reaching the semi-finals of the event. But the celebration of the striker, smiling on the lawn alongside his partners, was blasted in Madrid because of this ironic slogan written on a Welsh flag deployed by the players.
In fact, the message seems a direct response to the criticisms made by Pedja Mijatovic, a former Real player and former Athletic Director, who said in October on Cadena Ser radio that Bale first favored his selection and then his passion for golf, and third only his employer.
"Bale laughs at the Real with this flag", reacted on Wednesday the Madrid sports newspaper As, judging that the gesture of the Welsh was not "much to please many Madrid fans".
On the side of Marca, the most widely read sports newspaper in Spain, it is weariness that predominates: "This is the umpteenth controversy where the player is involved in recent months," writes the newspaper, deeming untenable for Real Madrid. situation of the attacker, a time tempted by a departure to China last summer.
"The relationship between the player and the club is more damaged than ever and a start to the winter transfer window seems almost mandatory," says Marca.
Basel, acquired for around EUR 100 million in 2013, has made headlines in recent weeks in Spain because of repeated injuries, which did not prevent him from joining his selection last week and playing every game.
He has not been operational with Real since October 5 and has also made headlines in Spain for having said Friday that he had "more fun to play for Wales" than with his club.
© 2019 AFP