Wales coach Robert Page has defended Gareth Bale amid the criticism he faces in Madrid.
Page highlighted Bale‘s qualities on and off the pitch, and believes that he doesn’t get enough credit for what he does.
“I’m absolutely appalled by it,” he told The Athletic. “I know Gareth well now and a lot of people don’t see what he does off the pitch, the donations he made to the NHS recently, to a hospital in Cardiff – a considerable amount of money.
“He doesn’t get credit for that because he doesn’t shout about it and people don’t hear about it. He keeps it to himself.
“That parasite comment made my blood boil. I don’t like that. That’s not the Gareth Bale who is the captain of our country, who represents us. And he never will be that.”
Wales are through to the final of the World Cup playoffs where they will meet either Scotland or Ukraine and, should they do so, Page is certain Bale will continue his playing career.
“If we get to the World Cup in November, then he will definitely be playing football,” said the coach.
“The World Cup is his dream, the one thing missing from his CV.
“Where he’ll play, I’m not sure; whether he comes home, stays in Spain, fancies another challenge, I really don’t know.”
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