Gareth Bale believes those criticising him in the Spanish media “should be ashamed of themselves.”
The Real Madrid forward, who has made only five appearances for his club all season, missed their loss to bitter rivals Barcelona last weekend but played almost the entirety of Wales’ win over Austria in the World Cup play-off semi-final.
The 32-year-old starred in the 2-1 victory, scoring two incredible goals inside the Cardiff City Stadium, taking his country to the brink of a first World Cup since 1958.
Despite a trophy-laden spell in the Spanish capital, Bale has long been criticised by sections of the press for his perceived lack of commitment to the cause, with many focusing on his love of golf, as well as how much he enjoys representing Wales.
Seemingly destined to leave the club he joined in 2013 for a world-record fee, Bale hit out at such treatment but denied sending a message with his goal celebration, during which he kissed his country’s badge.
“I don’t need to send a message,” he said to Sky Sports after the game.
“I don’t need to say anything, it’s a waste of my time. It’s disgusting. They should be ashamed of themselves. I am not fussed, end of.”
