Former Wales international Jack Collison has claimed that Gareth Bale has been harshly treated by fans during his time at Real Madrid.
The Madrid supporters have jeered the former Tottenham Hotspur winger on numerous occasions in recent seasons, with frustrations growing over his injury record and waning impact when he is fit to play.
Questions have also been raised regarding his commitment to the club, particularly after Bale fanned the flames by celebrating Wales' Euro 2020 qualification with a flag which read: 'Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order'.
Bale has openly admitted that he prefers representing Wales to his Madrid duties, and Collison, who played alongside Bale for his country, believes that it is the adoration of the Welsh fans which makes the international scene more appealing to him.
Asked whether Bale had been harshly treated in Spain, Collison told Sports Mole: "I think he has, yeah. You look at his goal record, especially in the first few seasons, it was outstanding. Goals and assists, important goals in Champions League finals and things like this. But they're a tough bunch to please obviously!
"The pleasing thing is, every time he is in that Welsh squad he wants to turn up every trip, even sometimes when he's had little niggles. I think he just loves going out there and being adored.
"Playing in front of those fans, it certainly inspires him and it certainly inspires the rest of the nation, not just the boys on the pitch - the staff that are at every single camp, the fans and there are a lot of kids around Wales wanting to be the next Gareth Bale."
Collison won 15 caps for Wales between 2008 and 2014.
Click here to read our full wide-ranging interview with Jack Collison.
Barney Corkhill
