Rob Page has rallied behind Gareth Bale after his talismanic captain was labelled a ‘parasite’ by the Spanish press for missing Real Madrid’s El Clasico drubbing.
Bale was absent for Real's 4-0 defeat to bitter rivals Barcelona last month, with Carlo Ancelotti suggesting the attacker was carrying a slight injury. However, the Welshman appeared for his country only days later, netting twice during the 2-1 World Cup play-off semi-final with Austria.
Prior to Wales' crunch play-off semi-final, one article in the Spanish press aimed a scathing attack on the 32-year-old, with Spanish newspaper Marca mocking up Bale as a mosquito before accusing him of ‘sucking’ the club’s money, despite helping Los Blancos win 14 trophies during his stint.
READ MORE: What Gareth Bale did in response to loud boos from Real Madrid fans on his return to the Bernabeu
It was a piece that caused uproar on these shores, and Page has leapt to the defence of his skipper.
Talking to The Athletic, Page said: “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.”
“I’m absolutely appalled by it. 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.”
Wales still need to qualify for the World Cup, with either Scotland or Ukraine lying in wait in the play-off final later this year. And Page is only too aware that his job hinges on winning every match given his temporary status as ‘caretaker’ manager.
“It’s the uncertainty of football, unfortunately. It’s out of my control - if we’d not beaten Austria, the day after I’d have been unemployed. If we don’t win this game in June, my contract is up.”
Page is stuck in this cycle of contractual uncertainty as the FAW are legally paralysed until Ryan Giggs’ court case finishes.
“I’ve a very understanding wife,” Page added.
“All I can do is control what I can control. At this moment I’ve a group of lads who enjoy coming on camp, who enjoy playing for me. I’m having the time of my life and we’re winning games of football. What the powers that be at the FAW decide to do with that is up to them.”
