Gareth Bale taunts Real Madrid fans by admitting he prefers playing for Wales
GARETH BALE taunted Real Madrid fans once again by admitting he is more excited playing for Wales.
Ryan Giggs' talisman has received criticism in Spain for turning up for international duty despite not playing for Real since last month after a calf injury.
But Bale, who has declared himself fit for Saturday's must-win Euro 2020 qualifier in Azerbaijan, stoked the flames when he said he gets more joy by representing his country than his club.
Bale admitted: "I definitely have a bit more excitement playing for Wales. I've been with most of the older players since we were in Under-17s. It's like playing with your mates down the park on a Sunday.
It's normal.
"With Wales, I'm speaking my own language and feel more comfortable.
"But it doesn't change what I do on the pitch. I always give 100% on the pitch wherever I am, that's what I always strive to do."
Bale was on the verge of leaving Real last summer but a big-money move to China collapsed at the 11th hour.
The 30-year-old's commitment at the Bernabeu has been frequently questioned with team-mate Toni Kroos even slamming him for being available for Wales but absent for Real.
THE GOLFER
And it is not the first time Bale's priorities have been heavily debated.
Bale already has the nickname 'The Golfer' - coined by Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, ex-Real striker and director of football Predrag Mijatovic claimed he is more interested in Wales and golf over Madrid.
That prompted some Wales fans to wade into the issue by making a cheeky banner which reads: 'WALES. GOLF. MADRID. IN THAT ORDER', accompanied by the Welsh dragon.
But Bale claims there is no case to answer. He added: "They have their own opinion of me. I've heard some stories but I find it hilarious, especially some of the pictures and stuff my friends send me. On one it said triple bogey and I’ve never had a triple bogey! At least give me an albatross!
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"People don't understand and know what they're on about so I find it quite funny.
"I’ve tried to get back as quick as I can. If there had been a Real Madrid game this week, I would’ve been fit and training to play. Maybe to them it doesn’t look great but it’s just a kind of coincidence that the national team comes around this week and I’ve returned to full training.
"If I’m fit, no matter where I am, I’m going to try and play, whether it be for Wales or Madrid. For me, it was a no-brainer: if I’m fit to play, then I’ll give it my all.”