Wales superstar Gareth Bale finally returned to the Bernabeu on Saturday night after a two-season absence - and was promptly booed by a large section of Real Madrid fans.
Bale hadn't featured for the Spanish giants at their home ground since a Champions League clash with Manchester City two seasons ago, and he was brought on as a second-half substitute for Karim Benzema against Getafe.
His introduction was met by a chorus of jeers from the Los Blancos supporters - with a smattering of applause also heard. The former Tottenham man responded perfectly, smiling as he entered the fray to a cloud of negativity. His every touch of the ball was also met with whistles.
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The Welsh skipper will leave the Spanish capital when his contract expires at the end of the season, bringing an end to a trophy-laden spell in Madrid. Boss Carlo Ancelotti believes he should be treated with respect for what he has achieved with the European giants.
“The booing is understandable but our fans need to understand that their support is very important too,” he said last night. “Yes, Bale was booed but he is a professional, he is doing well in training and if necessary he will play this final stretch of the season. The fans have to understand that.”
He added in the build-up to the match that Bale will go into the history books of the club. Ancelotti said: "He had problems and lately he hasn't played, but he's a player who has entered the history of the club with his titles and goals. He is fine, he's in good physical condition. He has shown that with his national team and he wants to show it here. He's confident, he wants to finish well with this club."
Bale's relationship with the Spanish media reached a new nadir over the last international break, with a columnist labelling the 32-year-old "a parasite", prompting him to hit back in a stinging statement on social media.
He wrote: "I want to use my platform to encourage change in the way we publicly talk about, and criticise people, simply for the most part, not meeting the often unrealistic expectations that are projected onto them. We all know who the real parasite is!"
As for his next move, that is set to depend on Wales' involvement in the World Cup later this year, with a play-off against Scotland or Ukraine to take place in June. His agent, Jonathan Barnett, says his client has little to prove to his critics after a stellar career.
“Bale doesn't have to prove anything to the fans. He hasn't done anything wrong," Barnett said. "He is a quiet guy who doesn't want to talk to the press, just play football. What should he explain himself for?
"He speaks Spanish. What happens is that people who don't know him say it. Stupid and ignorant people who haven't spoken to him. It's a shame."
