Bale told he ‘deserves statue’ at Real Madrid amid Premier League return rumours

Gareth Bale’s former teammate Andros Townsend has insisted the Welsh forward deserves a statue at Real Madrid despite his unpopularity with supporters of the Spanish giants.

Bale has been frozen out of the first-team in recent months, with his relationship with manager Zinedine Zidane said to be at an all-time low.

He has also been regularly jeered by fans of the club, who have been left angered by his perceived poor attitude and apparent unwillingness to learn Spanish.

Yet despite his recent downturn in fortunes Bale was an important player for the side in the past, and scored three goals in two Champions League finals to help them win the tournament in 2014 and 2018.

And speaking to ITV Sport, Townsend says he can understand Bale’s frustrations with the current situation.

“Normally I wouldn’t agree with the antics of Gareth Bale, what he was doing in the stands, playing golf and intentionally trying to annoy his employers,” he said.

“But what Gareth Bale has done for that football club… the goals in the Champions League final against  Atletico Madrid, the two goals against  Liverpool  effectively winning them that Champions League, he deserves a statue. Instead, he’s abused by the fans, by the media, by the club.”

Bale has recently been linked with a move back to the Premier League, with his ex-club Spurs and Manchester United the two being most strongly linked.

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And Crystal Palace’s Townsend admits he would love to see his old colleague return.

“He’s just sitting on his contract, but I’d like to see Gareth Bale back in the Premier League,” Townsend added.

“He’s only 31, so he’s got many years to offer and he’s a world-class talent, so it would be great to see him getting back to what he does best.”