Ryan Giggs' message to Real Madrid following Gareth Bale's turbulent campaign as he offers three-word Man Utd response -
By Ian Mitchelmore
Friday 31st May 2019
Wales boss Ryan Giggs admits he's surprised at the criticism Gareth Bale has received at Real Madrid.
The Welshman copped plenty of flak last term as Los Galacticos desperately struggled, losing 12 matches in La Liga as they ended the campaign in third place, 19 points adrift of champions Barcelona.
He was used sparingly by Zinedine Zidane and did not even get off the bench for his side's final game of the 2018/19 season against Real Betis, a match Real Madrid lost 2-0.
Reports have suggested Bale - who still has three years left to run on his current deal with the Spanish giants - does not feature in Zidane's future plans while fans have made no secret of their desire to see the 29-year-old leave the Santiago Bernabeu.
But Giggs does not think Bale should be concerned about the criticism that has come his way given that players including Cristiano Ronaldo and the Brazilian Ronaldo received the rough treatment during periods of their careers in the Spanish capital.
Asked if he's been surprised at the criticism aimed at Bale in Madrid, Giggs responded: "Yes but I’m not over there. I’m not a Real Madrid fan.
"I don’t know the ins and outs and I’m only looking from the outside, but you’ve got a player who won the team the Champions League final last year with one of the best goals you’ve ever seen and performs for that team week in, week out.
"I remember the original Ronaldo getting stick of Real Madrid fans. I remember Cristiano (Ronaldo) getting stick early doors.
"It’s that kind of club, it’s a club like no other where the white handkerchiefs come out and if they don’t like you early doors, that’s just the way it is.
"I think Gareth has experienced most situations as a footballer and he knows how to deal with all of them. When you’re at a top club the pressure is natural and comes with the territory."
Bale will link up with Wales on Monday ahead of the away Euro 2020 qualifiers against Croatia and Hungary.
He has not hit the back of the net in his last eight appearances for club and country and has started just four times for Real Madrid since the most recent international break in March.
"Yesterday (in Portugal) he looked like he enjoyed football to me," said Giggs.
"He was sharp, he wanted the ball, and he was practicing his trademark of cutting in on his left foot. He scored a great goal.
"Afterwards when a lot of the lads went in he was practicing his shooting so that doesn’t strike me as someone who just wants to get off and go back to his room. It struck me as a professional who still loves football. I’m excited to see him in these two games."
Bale has been heavily linked with a move away from Spain in recent months, with Manchester United being touted as a potential destination for the 75-cap Wales star.
But Giggs is yet to be asked about Bale by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Asked if his former United team mate Solskjaer had enquired about Bale, Giggs simply responded: "No he hasn't."
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