The agent of Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale has revealed that his client is "hurt" by criticism from the club's fans.
Bale has scored 70 goals in 159 appearances since joining Los Blancos in 2013, helping the club to 10 trophies including three Champions League crowns during his four-year spell at the club.
However, the Welshman has been plagued by injuries over the past two seasons and his performances have often been criticised by supporters when he is fit enough to play, leaving agent Jonathan Barnett baffled by the treatment of his client.
"It hurts Gareth when they do not support him, they support others who aren't as good. Real Madrid fans surely have to see how good he is and support him. I don't understand it," Barnett told Fichajes.com.
"Some journalists in Spain write utter garbage. These stories are not based on football. In the matches he has played, Real Madrid have won three Champions Leagues and La Liga, he has won everything and fans should adore him.
"He's only 28 and he has won everything. I don't think there is a player in the world who has won as much in such a short time. He is alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos, but they have been there longer."
Bale is set for his first appearance since September 26 when Madrid take on Segunda B outfit Fuenlabrada in their Copa del Rey second leg this evening.
Barney Corkhill
