After celebrating his two goals on the way to the long-awaited World Cup participation, Gareth Bale relentlessly settled accounts with his critics.
Before the 2-1 win over Austria in the World Cup play-off in Qatar, Marca described him as a "Welsh parasite" because he was only a part-time worker for Real Madrid with a substantial salary.
"It's disgusting.
They should be ashamed of themselves," said the 32-year-old calmly but firmly.
"I'm not excited, over."
Bale celebrated his fantastic free-kick goal in the corner (25th minute) for the lead, sliding on his stomach.
After the shot to make it 2-0 (51st minute), he demonstratively patted the coat of arms with the red dragon on his chest.
Did he want to send a message with the jubilation?
"No, I don't need to send a message," he replied with a smile.
The star striker only made five competitive appearances for Real Madrid this season.
However, Bale consistently leads his country as captain.
In 2016, the biggest success so far was the semi-finals at the European Championship finals premiere, now the second World Cup participation after 1958 is to follow.
He gave "everything" for Wales, Bale said on Sky, but it was only "half the job" done.
The opponent in the playoff final will be determined in June in the match between Ukraine and Scotland.
While Bale can continue to hope for World Cup participation, Franco Foda's upcoming 48th international match as manager of the Austrian national football team could be his last.
After missing out on qualifying for the World Cup, the 55-year-old German is still scheduled to play in a friendly against Scotland next Tuesday.
Aces like Xaver Schlager (VfL Wolfsburg), Christoph Baumgartner (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim), Martin Hinteregger (Eintracht Frankfurt), Konrad Laimer (RB Leipzig) and substitute Sasa Kalajdzic (VfB Stuttgart) as well as David Alaba (Real Madrid) could not help their team help decisively.
Bayern player Marcel Sabitzer only scored to make it 1-2 (64th minute).