Gareth Bale aims little dig at Real Madrid after Wales heroics and slams ‘disgusting’ criticism

Gareth Bale has branded the recent criticism of him in the Spanish press as ‘disgusting’ and made a pointed comment on his lack of game time at Real Madrid after putting on a masterclass for Wales.

Despite making just two appearances for Real since the end of August, the 32-year-old showed no signs of rustiness as he netted twice in a Man-of-the-Match performance in Wales’ 2-1 victory over Austria in their World Cup qualification play-off.

The former Tottenham winger opened the scoring with a remarkable first-half free-kick that arrowed into the top corner, before doubling his tally shortly after the restart with another exceptional left-footed finish.

Although Austria grabbed a goal back through Marcel Sabitzer, Wales managed to hang on and will now take on either Scotland or Ukraine in the summer for a place at the World Cup later this year.

Hours before Bale’s heroics for the national team, the Welshman had been the subject of an astonishing attack from the Spanish newspaper Marca who accused him of ‘sucking’ Real Madrid’s money.

Asked if he had sent a message to those critics with his performance on Thursday night, Bale told Sky Sports: ‘I don’t need to send a message, honestly.

‘I don’t need to send anything, it’s a waste of my time. It’s just disgusting and they should also be ashamed of themselves. I’m not fussed, end of.’

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Real boss Carlo Ancelotti has frequently overlooked Bale this season despite the Spanish giants often looking short on ideas in attack, but he knows he is still capable of moments of magic if