Jonathan Barnett, the outspoken agent of Gareth Bale, says Real Madrid fans will one day regret their treatment of the Welshman, adding that the winger deserves a grand send-off when he leaves the Bernabeu this summer.
Bale is set to leave Real when his contract runs out at the end of the season, bringing an end to a trophy-laden but tumultuous nine-year spell at the club. Attention will now turn to what happens next, with Bale clearly hoping to lead Wales to a first World Cup since 1958 later this year.
However, his lack of game time under Carlo Ancelotti this season will no doubt be a concern, despite his recent heroics for Wales, whom he helped to a 2-1 win over Austria in the World Cup play-offs recently. Bale's commitment to playing for his country has clearly been a source of ire for many at the Bernabeu, and there appears to be no way back.
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Bale has played just five games in all competitions for Real this season, but is in the squad for Wednesday's Champions League clash with Chelsea. Speaking to Spanish TV outlet Deportes Cuatro, Barnett admitted the lack of game time has been down to Ancelotti, dismissing suggestions that Bale has taken himself out of contention.
"You have to ask Ancelotti why he doesn't play," he said. "It is not Gareth Bale's decision. I cannot criticise Ancelotti but it is his decision."
Barnett also doesn't believe the Wales star will play any part at Stamford Bridge. "I don't think Bale will play the game," he added.
Bale's lack of game time has been punctuated by savage criticism in the Spanish press, with one outlet infamously referring to him as a 'parasite' before the clash with Austria. Others have previously criticised the former Spurs man's perceived inability to immerse himself into Spanish culture, a view Barnett has resoundingly dismissed.
“Bale doesn't have to prove anything to the fans. He hasn't done anything wrong," Barnett continued. "He is a quiet guy who doesn't want to talk to the press, just play football. What should he explain himself for?
"He speaks Spanish. What happens is that people who don't know him say it. Stupid and ignorant people who haven't spoken to him. It's a shame. He's been very happy In Madrid, he arrived as a young man, his children were born there, he has donated a lot of money to Spanish hospitals for COVID (half a million) and he loves the city and the club. I think the parasites are the ones who speak ill of him."
Despite Bale inching closer to the exit, Barnett believes he still has the backing of president Perez, the man largely responsible for bringing him to the club back in 2013. Barnett has subsequently called on the club to recognise Bale's achievements when he finally closes the book on his time with Los Blancos in the summer.
"Bale deserves a grand farewell from the club. And no, we have not yet decided on the future," Barnett continued.
"The president [Perez] has behaved very well and has been very loyal and has supported him.
"In the next 20 years the fans will see how good Bale was, and they will regret it."
