What Happened to Gareth Bale at Madrid?

By Alice Nichols

Gareth Bale, the Welsh football superstar, joined Real Madrid in 2013 as the most expensive player at that time. His transfer fee of €100 million was a record-breaking deal.

However, things didn’t go as planned for Bale at Madrid. Injuries, inconsistent performances, and a sour relationship with the fans and management led to his downfall at the club.

Injuries

Bale’s injury record at Real Madrid was a major factor in his decline. He suffered from various injuries throughout his time at the club, which limited his playing time and affected his form. He missed more than 80 games due to injuries, including a long-term ankle injury that kept him out for months.

Consistent Performances

Bale’s inconsistency on the field was also an issue for Real Madrid. Although he had some brilliant performances, he struggled to maintain a consistent level of play. This lack of consistency led to criticism from fans and pundits alike.

Relationship with Fans and Management

Bale’s relationship with both Real Madrid fans and management soured over the years. The Welshman was criticized by fans for his perceived lack of effort on the field and for not learning Spanish during his time in Spain.

Moreover, Bale’s relationship with Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane became rocky when he was left out of the squad for key matches, including the Champions League final against Liverpool in 2018. Zidane publicly stated that Bale did not fit into his plans for the team.

The End of an Era

After seven seasons at Real Madrid, Bale left the club on loan to Tottenham Hotspur in September 2020. His departure marked the end of an era at Los Blancos.

In conclusion, Gareth Bale’s journey at Real Madrid had its ups and downs. Although he won numerous trophies with the club, his constant battle with injuries, inconsistency on the field, and strained relationship with fans and management led to his downfall. Bale’s time at Madrid will always be remembered as a tale of unfulfilled potential.