Former Wales boss Chris Coleman insists Real Madrid star Gareth Bale speaks ‘perfect Spanish’ and claims that he does not are unfair.
The Welsh star has been criticised within some sections of the Spanish press and by another former international boss – John Toshack – for not integrating into Spanish society.
Bale has three years remaining on his Madrid contract and his hefty wage bill means that he had no strong desire to exit the club this summer despite the wishes of the hierarchy in the Spanish capital.
A move to Chinese football broke down at Madrid’s request and Bale scored twice, before being sent-off, in the recent 2-2 draw against Villarreal.
“I saw John Toshack saying Gareth hasn’t given enough of himself to the public in Madrid,” Coleman told The Athletic, as cited by Marca.
“Well he’s never done that. It’s not his character. When he comes home he plays golf, stays with his family, in his little circle.
“I’ve been with Gareth in Madrid, in a restaurant, and he’s speaking perfect Spanish, ordering food, greeting people. He was very polite, but it’s his own space. He has done all his talking on the pitch. He is the most decorated foreign import from the UK.
“He’s not looking over his shoulder, nobody is taking a picture of him. He is quite a shy person, Gareth. The only time he is not is on the pitch.”
