Let's talk Bale, golf and Wales

Gareth Bale took to the turf of Valdebebas yesterday. He trained with the rest of the players first and then did some work on his own. All the signs point towards him being able to lend the team a hand in Vallecas. That’s the least he can do after leaving his team-mates high and dry against Villarreal as a consequence of his golfing escapades on Sunday. Someone needs to sit down with him and explain what his real priorities are. Those who know him well say his true passion is golf (he has a fairway simulator in his house) and, to make things worse, his mind is focused on the European Championship and not Real Madrid. He’s the hero of Wales and wants to make a statement in France…

Bale doesn’t seem to understand what wearing the Real Madrid shirt means. He has so much potential and could easily put his name in the running for the Ballon d’Or if he’d get his head straight. If he ever wants to take things more seriously he should look across the dressing room at Cristiano. It’s strange that Bale has missed half the season through injury given what a physical specimen he is. My advice to him is that he prioritise his life in the following order: Real Madrid, Real Madrid and lastly, Real Madrid. Gareth, I’ll be expecting big things from you against Rayo.