‘I’m sorry’ – Luka Modric leaps to defence of Gareth Bale and hits out at his treatment

Luka Modric has defended Gareth Bale from his critics over the years, insisting that the players took no issues with him inside the dressing room.

Modric spent four years with Bale at Tottenham before joining Los Blancos in 2012, with Bale then following the Croat to the Santiago Bernabeau just 12 months later.

Both players enjoyed tremendous success during their time together in Spain, leading Real Madrid to a whole host of trophies including an astonishing four Champions League titles.

However, Bale’s relationship with Zinedine Zidane as well as the Real Madrid fans soured in his final two seasons at the Spanish capital, with the pacey winger being accused in the press of not making the effort to learn Spanish.

The 31-year-old has certainly not received the best of send-offs from some Real Madrid fans, in stark contrast to the hero’s welcome he received on his return to Spurs.

Modric urged the Real Madrid supporters to remember Bale for the good times and not to forget what he did for the side.

Speaking to El Partidazo del Cope (as translated by The Daily Mail), he said: “I have been here with Bale for a long time.

“He’s a spectacular, shy guy. The press are judging him for his recent years, but you have to remember him for everything he has given.

“He has not had any problems in the dressing room. He spoke Spanish with us. People quickly forget what Bale has done.

“Gareth didn’t socialise much, but in the dressing room he was fine. I’m sorry many forgot what he has done.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I just cannot get my head around how miserable a fan base must be to boo players who have guided them to four Champions League trophies. Their argument about Bale would have some merit if Ronaldo hadn’t also received similar treatment towards the end of his time at the Bernabeau. Real Madrid are perhaps the best example of how sustained success makes the experience of supporting a club much worse. Their fans are so used to seeing them winning the biggest trophies that failure to win titles seems to generate more disappointment than the happiness they get from seeing their side reign victorious.

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