If he cannot communicate, or understand instructions in Spanish in training after six years it is an issue for the team though, and one which the manager would legitimately have an issue with.
This simply isn't true, and was never an issue when he was scoring important goals in cup finals.
"Accusations that Gareth Bale cannot speak Spanish are wide of the mark, claims team-mate Alvaro Odriozola.
The Real Madrid ace has been slammed for his failure to learn the language. But right-back Odriozola leapt to his defence, insisting he speaks to Bale in both Spanish and English.
"He looks good to me. Against Celta he played a great game. He worked hard, he is very motivated. He knows Spanish perfectly, the thing is that he is too shy to use it, which seems normal to me."
"I speak with him in Spanish and English, without distinction. And I see that his commitment to the club is total.
"He is a Madrid fanatic and he has given everything for the club. He is a great player, I don't need to say it."
Alright, yes he would be better off in terms of integrating I’d he could speak the language but the same can be said of countless talented footballers playing all over the world.
Sergio Aguero is someone who barely speaks a word of English. I don’t see anybody slagging him off for it though, as he delivers important goals - the same way Gareth Bale has.
I hope he stays and I have said previously he has been an amazing player for them - definitely one of the best British players to play abroad. He deserves a lot more respect from the club. Just pointing out though that the reason his relationship with Zidane and many of the team has broken down though is to do with communication.
I would love to see him prove them wrong and stay and become a crucial player for them, or even sign for another club and knock them out of something. It's clear there has been a breakdown though, and whether there's a personal clash with Zidane or Bale's integration with the team it's a shame to see. He should be at his peak now.
Re - the language, I agree this is probably being exaggerated as an important point but I think the difference is the ability to get involved in the more informal banter of training and general socialisation rather than give an occasional prepared interview. It's probably another thing that the club should have supported him with though, especially as he is a shy person.
Zidane and Madrid, having given him this ludicrous contract are now trying to force him out in a nasty way. Bale on the other hand just seems only interested in keeping his massive salary by going to a retirement league, rather than taking a pay cut (which would still leave him on a ginormous salary anyway) and challenging himself in one of Europe's top leagues.
He's hardly integrated that well in Spain, after all these years does he even speak the language?
I’m not sure if that’s fair in this particular case. I’ve read that Bale is on £600K a week at Real Madrid, with three years left on his contract. At any club that would realistically sign him in Europe I’m not sure he would even get half of that. So, assume he gets a 4 year deal worth £300K a week somewhere else (without Real topping it up) then you are asking him to take a £30M hit (£90M vs £60M). I don’t think even an ultra wealthy footballer would be unreasonable in not agreeing to write off that sort of money.
That's exactly the issue though. He'll still be paid fabulous amounts of money, sums that are light years ahead of what the greats of 10 years ago would have earned. He is at his peak, he could go to one of Europe's top leagues, be the star of the side, win trophies and adulation and retire a football legend.
Instead by wanting to go to China he's saying that money is more important to him than challenging himself as a player, and winning the big prizes
Zidane and Madrid, having given him this ludicrous contract are now trying to force him out in a nasty way. Bale on the other hand just seems only interested in keeping his massive salary by going to a retirement league, rather than taking a pay cut (which would still leave him on a ginormous salary anyway) and challenging himself in one of Europe's top leagues.
He's hardly integrated that well in Spain, after all these years does he even speak the language?
I’m not sure if that’s fair in this particular case. I’ve read that Bale is on £600K a week at Real Madrid, with three years left on his contract. At any club that would realistically sign him in Europe I’m not sure he would even get half of that. So, assume he gets a 4 year deal worth £300K a week somewhere else (without Real topping it up) then you are asking him to take a £30M hit (£90M vs £60M). I don’t think even an ultra wealthy footballer would be unreasonable in not agreeing to write off that sort of money.
That's exactly the issue though. He'll still be paid fabulous amounts of money, sums that are light years ahead of what the greats of 10 years ago would have earned. He is at his peak, he could go to one of Europe's top leagues, be the star of the side, win trophies and adulation and retire a football legend.
Instead by wanting to go to China he's saying that money is more important to him than challenging himself as a player, and winning the big prizes
I think an assumption is being made that he wanted to go to China, chase more money etc.
As far as it has been reported, no other major clubs made a serious offer for him. Whilst he could go and play for many top sides, they have to be the ones making themselves available for him - it works both ways. It’s also dependent on Real Madrid accepting an offer for a transfer fee for him.
With the window closing in about a week, maybe the China move was the only serious one on the cards that could get him out of Madrid quick enough before he was stuck there.
Re - the language, I agree this is probably being exaggerated as an important point but I think the difference is the ability to get involved in the more informal banter of training and general socialisation rather than give an occasional prepared interview. It's probably another thing that the club should have supported him with though, especially as he is a shy person.
Good on him then, I hate partaking in work 'social events' that are generally done on my time, not work time.
He should be judged on what he does on the pitch, not how well he orders a beer!
From multiple radio interviews in the past week with different British journalists based in Spain, Bale speaks Spanish just fine, just isn't confident to do so in interviews/on TV. As he's described as shy that should be no surprise I guess.
Similar to Pochetino in some respects, he was attacked for using a translator for TV interviews for the first year or two he was here. Players have said he spoke English to them on the training ground, in the dressing room, etc. he just wasn't confident enough with his English to go on worldwide TV and speak it.
Didn’t the whole team plan on going for a meal and Bale didn’t go because he didn’t want to be late to bed?
They were probably relieved, I highly doubt Bale is the life and soul...
whats that got to do with it? He is the consummate professional and should be lauded for it not jettisoned
I'm quite staggered that Madrid want shot of Bale who has been nothing but professional, trains and keeps in shape almost to an obsession and instead want Pogba with his stinking attitude, criticises the club in public, sulks and downs tools like a spoilt child
To be fair hasn't Bale sulked and made funny faces on the bench, stormed down the tunnel, given poor interviews after the CL final saying he's not happy etc?
Zidane and Madrid, having given him this ludicrous contract are now trying to force him out in a nasty way. Bale on the other hand just seems only interested in keeping his massive salary by going to a retirement league, rather than taking a pay cut (which would still leave him on a ginormous salary anyway) and challenging himself in one of Europe's top leagues.
He's hardly integrated that well in Spain, after all these years does he even speak the language?
I’m not sure if that’s fair in this particular case. I’ve read that Bale is on £600K a week at Real Madrid, with three years left on his contract. At any club that would realistically sign him in Europe I’m not sure he would even get half of that. So, assume he gets a 4 year deal worth £300K a week somewhere else (without Real topping it up) then you are asking him to take a £30M hit (£90M vs £60M). I don’t think even an ultra wealthy footballer would be unreasonable in not agreeing to write off that sort of money.
That's exactly the issue though. He'll still be paid fabulous amounts of money, sums that are light years ahead of what the greats of 10 years ago would have earned. He is at his peak, he could go to one of Europe's top leagues, be the star of the side, win trophies and adulation and retire a football legend.
Instead by wanting to go to China he's saying that money is more important to him than challenging himself as a player, and winning the big prizes
I think an assumption is being made that he wanted to go to China, chase more money etc.
As far as it has been reported, no other major clubs made a serious offer for him. Whilst he could go and play for many top sides, they have to be the ones making themselves available for him - it works both ways. It’s also dependent on Real Madrid accepting an offer for a transfer fee for him.
With the window closing in about a week, maybe the China move was the only serious one on the cards that could get him out of Madrid quick enough before he was stuck there.
Usually it's the agent brokering the deal, If Bale said to his agent he's happy to take a wage cut to go to a top club in Europe and he doesn't want to go to China he could have made that happen but it seems to me the remit to the agent was he was happy to leave but he wasn't prepared to take a wage cut.
I can't believe top clubs like Man U could have landed Bale but they turned it down, I heard Spurs have first refusal anyway
Zidane and Madrid, having given him this ludicrous contract are now trying to force him out in a nasty way. Bale on the other hand just seems only interested in keeping his massive salary by going to a retirement league, rather than taking a pay cut (which would still leave him on a ginormous salary anyway) and challenging himself in one of Europe's top leagues.
He's hardly integrated that well in Spain, after all these years does he even speak the language?
I’m not sure if that’s fair in this particular case. I’ve read that Bale is on £600K a week at Real Madrid, with three years left on his contract. At any club that would realistically sign him in Europe I’m not sure he would even get half of that. So, assume he gets a 4 year deal worth £300K a week somewhere else (without Real topping it up) then you are asking him to take a £30M hit (£90M vs £60M). I don’t think even an ultra wealthy footballer would be unreasonable in not agreeing to write off that sort of money.
That's exactly the issue though. He'll still be paid fabulous amounts of money, sums that are light years ahead of what the greats of 10 years ago would have earned. He is at his peak, he could go to one of Europe's top leagues, be the star of the side, win trophies and adulation and retire a football legend.
Instead by wanting to go to China he's saying that money is more important to him than challenging himself as a player, and winning the big prizes
I think an assumption is being made that he wanted to go to China, chase more money etc.
As far as it has been reported, no other major clubs made a serious offer for him. Whilst he could go and play for many top sides, they have to be the ones making themselves available for him - it works both ways. It’s also dependent on Real Madrid accepting an offer for a transfer fee for him.
With the window closing in about a week, maybe the China move was the only serious one on the cards that could get him out of Madrid quick enough before he was stuck there.
Usually it's the agent brokering the deal, If Bale said to his agent he's happy to take a wage cut to go to a top club in Europe and he doesn't want to go to China he could have made that happen but it seems to me the remit to the agent was he was happy to leave but he wasn't prepared to take a wage cut.
I can't believe top clubs like Man U could have landed Bale but they turned it down, I heard Spurs have first refusal anyway
The big money/wage move is in the interest of the agent as well though, so even if he did give that remit to them, it doesn’t mean that they would be pursuing it for him the way they would be that China deal. As right or wrong as that may be.
From multiple radio interviews in the past week with different British journalists based in Spain, Bale speaks Spanish just fine, just isn't confident to do so in interviews/on TV. As he's described as shy that should be no surprise I guess.
Similar to Pochetino in some respects, he was attacked for using a translator for TV interviews for the first year or two he was here. Players have said he spoke English to them on the training ground, in the dressing room, etc. he just wasn't confident enough with his English to go on worldwide TV and speak it.
From multiple radio interviews in the past week with different British journalists based in Spain, Bale speaks Spanish just fine, just isn't confident to do so in interviews/on TV. As he's described as shy that should be no surprise I guess.
Similar to Pochetino in some respects, he was attacked for using a translator for TV interviews for the first year or two he was here. Players have said he spoke English to them on the training ground, in the dressing room, etc. he just wasn't confident enough with his English to go on worldwide TV and speak it.
Exactly like Aguero too
I think we can all agree there is a world of difference between ordering a drink down the golf club bar in Spanish and doing TV interviews. At the end of the day it's just another stick to beat Bale with as the club's unofficial newspaper makes Bale out as the bad guy
From multiple radio interviews in the past week with different British journalists based in Spain, Bale speaks Spanish just fine, just isn't confident to do so in interviews/on TV. As he's described as shy that should be no surprise I guess.
Similar to Pochetino in some respects, he was attacked for using a translator for TV interviews for the first year or two he was here. Players have said he spoke English to them on the training ground, in the dressing room, etc. he just wasn't confident enough with his English to go on worldwide TV and speak it.
Exactly like Aguero too
I think we can all agree there is a world of difference between ordering a drink down the golf club bar in Spanish and doing TV interviews. At the end of the day it's just another stick to beat Bale with as the club's unofficial newspaper makes Bale out as the bad guy
For sure. In England we're really good about people speaking the language or not in the media. Most likely because as a culture we're generally amazed and horrified at the idea that anyone could master more than one language, but we'll tend not to give players abuse for not being comfortable speaking. We're also quite encouraging as evidenced by Unai Emery who has noted the difference in reaction between him speaking English here and French in Paris; he was mocked there for his accent, whereas he's lauded for making so much effort to communicate with the media in London.
The Bale thing is, as you say, an attempt to further isolate him from the fans, as Real fans are notorious for turning on players who they don't perceive to have embraced the club fully. It's sad because by all accounts Bale adores Real Madrid and should have been living his dream. Horrible bunch over at Real.
From multiple radio interviews in the past week with different British journalists based in Spain, Bale speaks Spanish just fine, just isn't confident to do so in interviews/on TV. As he's described as shy that should be no surprise I guess.
Similar to Pochetino in some respects, he was attacked for using a translator for TV interviews for the first year or two he was here. Players have said he spoke English to them on the training ground, in the dressing room, etc. he just wasn't confident enough with his English to go on worldwide TV and speak it.
Exactly like Aguero too
I think we can all agree there is a world of difference between ordering a drink down the golf club bar in Spanish and doing TV interviews. At the end of the day it's just another stick to beat Bale with as the club's unofficial newspaper makes Bale out as the bad guy
You have to start somewhere though. Look at Naby Sarr now, one of the stars of our pre-season tour to Spain with his TV pieces, you couldn't have imagined him doing that 4 years ago
Didn’t the whole team plan on going for a meal and Bale didn’t go because he didn’t want to be late to bed?
They were probably relieved, I highly doubt Bale is the life and soul...
whats that got to do with it? He is the consummate professional and should be lauded for it not jettisoned
I'm quite staggered that Madrid want shot of Bale who has been nothing but professional, trains and keeps in shape almost to an obsession and instead want Pogba with his stinking attitude, criticises the club in public, sulks and downs tools like a spoilt child
So Bale saying he will just train and then go out and play Golf and be quite content to collect his wages and not play for 3 years is being a good Pro !
Definitely agree that Real Madrid are the epitome of the arrogant self righteous club but many genuine fans I know have always been quite disappointed that over the years Bale has never really addressed them in interviews apart from the odd heavily prepared one. It doesn't help I guess that there aren't many other examples of people not speaking to fans (mainly Spanish and Latin American players here, and other Europeans that tend to pick up languages quickly, like Modric and Courtois) plus combined with his shyness it has given them a feeling of him being quite distant when the culture here is all about warmth, closeness and exuberance.
As others have said, none of this has any bearing over his (incredible) ability to play football, but perhaps gives a bit of cultural context about why he has never quite fully fitted in, and this is definitely now being used as a main sticking point.
Didn’t the whole team plan on going for a meal and Bale didn’t go because he didn’t want to be late to bed?
They were probably relieved, I highly doubt Bale is the life and soul...
whats that got to do with it? He is the consummate professional and should be lauded for it not jettisoned
I'm quite staggered that Madrid want shot of Bale who has been nothing but professional, trains and keeps in shape almost to an obsession and instead want Pogba with his stinking attitude, criticises the club in public, sulks and downs tools like a spoilt child
So Bale saying he will just train and then go out and play Golf and be quite content to collect his wages and not play for 3 years is being a good Pro !
As a direct response to being told that despite having a contract for three more years he has to leave whether he wants to or not, replying that he'll continue to turn up to training, be professional and then play golf on match days when unwanted, yeah, that's basically as professional as you can be.
Funny how footballers are accused of being disloyal and greedy when trying to move clubs yet here is an example of a player being completely loyal and he is getting the same sort of criticism?
From multiple radio interviews in the past week with different British journalists based in Spain, Bale speaks Spanish just fine, just isn't confident to do so in interviews/on TV. As he's described as shy that should be no surprise I guess.
Similar to Pochetino in some respects, he was attacked for using a translator for TV interviews for the first year or two he was here. Players have said he spoke English to them on the training ground, in the dressing room, etc. he just wasn't confident enough with his English to go on worldwide TV and speak it.
Exactly like Aguero too
I think we can all agree there is a world of difference between ordering a drink down the golf club bar in Spanish and doing TV interviews. At the end of the day it's just another stick to beat Bale with as the club's unofficial newspaper makes Bale out as the bad guy
For sure. In England we're really good about people speaking the language or not in the media. Most likely because as a culture we're generally amazed and horrified at the idea that anyone could master more than one language, but we'll tend not to give players abuse for not being comfortable speaking. We're also quite encouraging as evidenced by Unai Emery who has noted the difference in reaction between him speaking English here and French in Paris; he was mocked there for his accent, whereas he's lauded for making so much effort to communicate with the media in London.
The Bale thing is, as you say, an attempt to further isolate him from the fans, as Real fans are notorious for turning on players who they don't perceive to have embraced the club fully. It's sad because by all accounts Bale adores Real Madrid and should have been living his dream. Horrible bunch over at Real.
Don't know if there's been anything about this in the British media, or if there is much truth in it, but the media here is taking about Bale possibly going to PSG as part of a deal to bring Neymar to Real.
Don't know if there's been anything about this in the British media, or if there is much truth in it, but the media here is taking about Bale possibly going to PSG as part of a deal to bring Neymar to Real.
Bale is a free agent. Bale and his agent will decide where he goes next, Madrid wont have any say over it.
FWIW, Spurs' media team posted a couple of photos of Davies, Rodon and Bale saying congrats to our boys for getting to the WC. I'd be surprised if he came back again, all the rumours have been him going to Cardiff.
The post you quoted of mine is from 2019 @JohnBoyUK . There's no suggestion of Bale going to PSG now or of Madrid having any say over where he does go, three years on. Looks like he's going to Cardiff.
He wont want a lot of money,so will pick somewhere nice to live,and see out his career,enjoying his football,Bromley,Chislehurst,Tunbridge Wells,etc.all nice areas Gareth,fancy looking round.
Comments
"Accusations that Gareth Bale cannot speak Spanish are wide of the mark, claims team-mate Alvaro Odriozola.
The Real Madrid ace has been slammed for his failure to learn the language. But right-back Odriozola leapt to his defence, insisting he speaks to Bale in both Spanish and English.
"He looks good to me. Against Celta he played a great game. He worked hard, he is very motivated. He knows Spanish perfectly, the thing is that he is too shy to use it, which seems normal to me."
"I speak with him in Spanish and English, without distinction. And I see that his commitment to the club is total.
"He is a Madrid fanatic and he has given everything for the club. He is a great player, I don't need to say it."
Alright, yes he would be better off in terms of integrating I’d he could speak the language but the same can be said of countless talented footballers playing all over the world.
Sergio Aguero is someone who barely speaks a word of English. I don’t see anybody slagging him off for it though, as he delivers important goals - the same way Gareth Bale has.
From 4 years ago. Go to 1:30 of the video.
He seems to be coping ok and i'd guess he's improved since then
Re - the language, I agree this is probably being exaggerated as an important point but I think the difference is the ability to get involved in the more informal banter of training and general socialisation rather than give an occasional prepared interview. It's probably another thing that the club should have supported him with though, especially as he is a shy person.
Instead by wanting to go to China he's saying that money is more important to him than challenging himself as a player, and winning the big prizes
As far as it has been reported, no other major clubs made a serious offer for him. Whilst he could go and play for many top sides, they have to be the ones making themselves available for him - it works both ways. It’s also dependent on Real Madrid accepting an offer for a transfer fee for him.
With the window closing in about a week, maybe the China move was the only serious one on the cards that could get him out of Madrid quick enough before he was stuck there.
He should be judged on what he does on the pitch, not how well he orders a beer!
Similar to Pochetino in some respects, he was attacked for using a translator for TV interviews for the first year or two he was here. Players have said he spoke English to them on the training ground, in the dressing room, etc. he just wasn't confident enough with his English to go on worldwide TV and speak it.
I can't believe top clubs like Man U could have landed Bale but they turned it down, I heard Spurs have first refusal anyway
The Bale thing is, as you say, an attempt to further isolate him from the fans, as Real fans are notorious for turning on players who they don't perceive to have embraced the club fully. It's sad because by all accounts Bale adores Real Madrid and should have been living his dream. Horrible bunch over at Real.
As others have said, none of this has any bearing over his (incredible) ability to play football, but perhaps gives a bit of cultural context about why he has never quite fully fitted in, and this is definitely now being used as a main sticking point.
FWIW, Spurs' media team posted a couple of photos of Davies, Rodon and Bale saying congrats to our boys for getting to the WC. I'd be surprised if he came back again, all the rumours have been him going to Cardiff.