While the rest of the world complimented Gareth Bale following his impressive output in the FIFA World Cup playoffs on March 24, the Spanish press decided to criticise the Real Madrid attacker.
Coming under constant criticism, Bale decided to hit back following his two-goal performance against Austria (2-1) in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The Welshman called out Spanish publication Marca after they had labeled him a “parasite” following Real Madrid’s 4-0 defeat against FC Barcelona the weekend before.
“At a time when people are taking their own lives because of the callousness and relentlessness of the media, I want to know, who is holding these journalists and the news outlets that allow them to write articles like this, accountable?”
the 32-year-old questioned through his social channels.
The Welshman continued by saying that he had become impervious to the media’s constant criticism throughout his time in Madrid but that he had witnessed such claims from journalists taking a toll on other people’s health.
Resuming his tirade, Bale claimed that over-the-top expectations from the media, and the negative reactions that follow a poor performance, increase the pressure on the concerned athletes.
Bale’s relationship with Madrid-based media and fans has deteriorated in recent years after a public fallout with ex-manager Zinedine Zidane. Despite a match-winning display in what was the last of four Champions League titles in five years, the Welshman was pushed towards the exit door by his then-manager – but he chose to stay instead.
A world-record signing at one point, Bale eventually left Real for his former club Tottenham, albeit temporarily, for the 2020/21 season. His next departure is likely to be permanent; his contract with Los Blancos expires in June, with no talks over a renewal scheduled as of yet.
