Shevchenko: ‘Bale needs to focus’

Andriy Shevchenko says Gareth Bale needs to get on with his football if he is serious about staying at Real Madrid.

The Welshman has had a tempestuous season at the Santiago Bernabeu, where he has borne the brunt of fans’ criticism more than one once, but former Chelsea man Shevchenko told BBC Sport that Bale must start proving his doubters wrong.

“I think he’s just got to keep quiet and try to find his best form,” said the Ukrainian, who retired from football in 2012 having won a string of honours during an illustrious career, including the Champions League and Ballon d'Or.

“Bale is a great player and if he decides to stay in Spain, if he loves Real Madrid, then he should work hard and focus on his game.

“It’s all down to him and what he wants to do. If he decides to move on then it’s his decision.”

Shevchenko is the Ukraine’s top scorer with 48 goals and plundered 127 for Milan in 208 Serie A games, while he was also a record buy for an English club when he joined Chelsea for €46m in summer 2006.

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