Gareth Bale's agent says flag celebration was 'for the media'
Jonathan Barnett was unconcerned over the backlash that his client has faced and aimed to clarify that the message was not for Real Madrid.
Gareth Bale has been making the headlines this week for differing reasons. Along with his compatriots he impressively confirmed Wales' place at next summer's European Championships. And then he danced with a flag.
Bale's gift to the Spanish media
Expected to leave Real Madrid in the summer, clearly not counted on in Zinedine Zidane's new plans, the forward ended up staying. Some promising performances were raved about in the Spanish press, with some madridistas believing he may have turned a corner on various levels. Then came injuries and an ongoing lack of transparency associated with them. Signs were that he many never pull on the famous white shirt again with a January transfer window in sight.
Of course, as the international break arrived, few were surprised when Ryan Giggs selected, and then played his talisman - despite not featuring for his club since being 'injured' in his last appearance for the Red Dragons. Doubts over his commitment to the club that pays him a king's ransom resurfaced. And then came the 'Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order' flag incident, one that ruffled numerous feathers, including some in the Chamartin towers.
But, it appears, the message Bale was sending - and he was sending one - was not towards Real Madrid or the club's fanbase. Instead, it was to those who write and speak about the player (presumably only the negative ones). Jonathan Barnett, the player's agent, shared with ESPN that he was not worried about the reception his client may receive when he appears at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday. And the flag celebration and comments were all "meant for the media."
The media, in all its forms and contrasting opinions on the topic, will likely tick along unperturbed by the message pointed in their direction. And we won't have to wait long to see how the fans react...