Gareth Bale: The Welshman has not integrated at Real Madrid, according to a team-mate
Gareth Bale: The Welshman has not integrated at Real Madrid, according to a team-mate

Gareth Bale snubbed Real Madrid team-mates - Thibaut Courtois criticises Welsh attacker


Thibaut Courtois has criticised Real Madrid team-mate Gareth Bale for not adapting to the Spanish way of life, and says the Welsh winger has been dubbed "the golfer" by the rest of the squad.

Courtois says Bale recently snubbed his Madrid colleagues by preferring to have an early night rather than sitting down to a meal with the other players.

Bale, who reportedly spends most of his spare time on the golf course, has been continually linked with a move back from Spain to the Premier League.

When asked what the Madrid players call Bale, the goalkeeper answered: "The golfer."

Speaking to Belgian newspaper HLN, Courtois said: "It is very hard to describe Gareth in one word.


Sky Bet: Real Madrid 9/1 to win Champions League, Man City 3/1 favourites


Gareth Bale: Reacts during Girona's win over Real Madrid
Gareth Bale: Welshman reacts during Girona's win over Real Madrid on Sunday

Gareth Bale: Welshman in discussion with Real Madrid team-mates Toni Kroos (right) and Thibaut Courtois (centre)
Gareth Bale: Welshman in discussion with Real Madrid team-mates Toni Kroos (right) and Thibaut Courtois (centre)

"I would say he has so much talent, but that it is such a shame that so often that talent is blocked from shining."

He added: "I live like somebody who is born and bred in Madrid. I eat late, I go bed late... it is their way of life.

"The other night we had a dinner with the entire squad.

"But Bale and (Toni) Kroos did not turn up. They reckoned the dinner was too late at night.

"We had arranged to be in the restaurant at 9.30pm and we started out meal around 10.15pm and by midnight we were having coffee.

"We go to bed at around 1am. We have to train every morning at 11am. I think that is a perfect time.

"But Bale had told us 'I am not coming to join you, guys. I go to bed at 11'."

Courtois is not the first Real player to single Bale out for criticism after team-mate Marcelo revealed the winger still does not speak Spanish despite living in Madrid for six years.

Marcelo recently told Marca: "Bale does not speak [Spanish] as he only speaks English and we talk with gestures."

Real Madrid 1-2 Girona

Sergio Ramos was sent off yet again as Real Madrid crashed to a surprise 2-1 loss to Girona in LaLiga.

The Real captain received his 25th red card in club football as Girona came from behind to claim an unexpected victory at the Bernabeu Stadium with goals from Cristhian Stuani and Portu.

Defeat ended Real's five-match winning run and left them third in the table, nine points behind leaders Barcelona.

Odds correct as of 1345 GMT on 17/02/19

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