Bale loves game and is not affected by criticism - Giggs
Gareth Bale has come in for plenty of criticism but his passion for football remains, according to his national team boss, Ryan Giggs.
Wales coach Ryan Giggs says Gareth Bale still loves football and is well capable of dealing with the criticism he has had to endured in recent months.
Bale has been through a somewhat tumultuous time at Real Madrid, with questions over his commitment to the club arising amid form and fitness issues.
He courted controversy last month when he posed with a flag that read: "Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order," following his country's victory over Hungary that sealed a place at Euro 2020.
However, Giggs believes Bale's vast experience means he can easily deal with any negativity.
Giggs: Bale loves playing for Real Madrid
"It's all noise that you can't control and it's about blocking out that noise. If you don't hear it then it's not going to affect you," Giggs told Sky Sports News.
"Gareth is at one of the biggest clubs in the world, he's won four Champions Leagues, he's been through everything so he can handle it [the criticism].
"A lot of people have sort of questioned his love for the game. He still loves the game and he loves playing it.
"He loves winning, he loves scoring goals, he loves making goals. It's not a problem to Gareth with the experience he's got."