Bale more excited to play for Wales than Real Madrid
Gareth Bale's remarks on his fondness for the international break aren't likely to endear him to Real Madrid's faithful.
Bale, who has not featured in a match for the Spanish giants in over a month, admitted that he's more enthusiastic when he's with the Welsh national team compared to when he represents Real Madrid.
"I definitely have more excitement playing for Wales," Bale told reporters, according to the Guardian's Ben Fisher. "I've been with most of the older players since we were in the under-17s. It’s like playing with your mates down the park on a Sunday.
"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 percent on the pitch wherever I am; that’s what I always strive to do."
Bale has not suited up for Zinedine Zidane's team since Oct. 5 because of an apparent calf issue. Yet, the injury didn't prevent Ryan Giggs from including the 30-year-old in his 27-man squad for Wales' upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers.
Meanwhile, teammate Toni Kroos and former Real Madrid striker Predrag Mijatovic have questioned where Bale's loyalties lie, with the latter saying the forward's priorities were, "Wales, golf, and after that Real Madrid."
The Spanish media have been critical of Bale - whose departure from Los Blancos seemed inevitable before a move to China unexpectedly fell through - for the majority of his six years in Madrid, but his solution for the negative press he receives is to laugh it off.
"I find it hilarious, to be honest, especially some of the pictures and stuff my friends send me," he said. "On one (front page headline) it said ‘triple bogey’ – and I’ve never had a triple bogey! At least give me an albatross! It’s funny. People don’t understand and don’t know what they’re on about. So I just find it quite funny."
It's understood that Bale expects to play a role in Wales' matches against Azerbaijan and Hungary despite not being fully fit. Wales will automatically qualify for next summer's tournament if they win both matches and Slovakia drops points.