Sergio Ramos: Gareth Bale can do what he wants on his own time | OneFootball

Gareth Bale and his tumultuous relationship with Real Madrid has dominated much of the headlines in Spain this summer.

Though the 30-year-old looked as if he was certain to leave during the transfer window, the Welshman remained in Madrid and has since responded to the tune of two goals and an assist in his first three games, starting all three contests.

Though he’s been criticised for many things, including not learning Spanish in his six years at the club, team-mate Sergio Ramos was quick to defend what Bale does in his own time.

“I think Bale’s a great player and he’s been really important for the club in the years he’s been with us,” Ramos said.

“You find many things in the press. Some are true, some are not. We live in this world and we have to try to be above all that.

“Regarding what has been said about Gareth, I think time puts everything in place. Regardless of what each player does in his personal life, I think it should be respected and not even talked about.

“We’re free to do what we want with our free time. Of course, professionally, you owe yourself to a team, to a club, and you try to be as honest as possible.

“Afterwards, it’s up to each person to go home with a clear conscience or not.”

Bale kept his momentum going over the international break, bagging an 84th-minute winner to give Wales a 2-1 victory over Azerbaijan.