‘He needs to be an a***hole!’ – Rafael van der Vaart explains how Gareth Bale can win over Real Madrid fans
Gareth Bale must act like an ‘a**hole’ if he stands any chance of winning over the Real Madrid supporters, according to former Tottenham team-mate Rafael van der Vaart.The Welshman’s future with the Bernebeu outfit is in doubt following the return of Zinedine Zidane as manager, with the Frenchman often preferring to use Isco in his line-up in his first stint in charge.Van der Vaart has given Bale some home truths1
Van der Vaart has given Bale some home truths
Furthermore, Bale, 29, has failed to win over the Los Blancos support in his six year stint with Real Madrid, despite playing in an instrumental role in four Champions League triumphs and a LaLiga title.Earlier this month, he was booed off at the Bernabeu by his own supporters when he was substituted in the 1-0 defeatto bitter rivals Barcelona.While former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon launched a scathing attack on him, saying he has not lived up to expectations since his 85million arrival from Tottenham.But former Netherlands star Van de Vaart, who retired from football in November, said the only way he can win over the Bernebeu faithful is by being more selfish. Its strange, but in Holland we say that sometimes you need to be an a***hole, he told the Standard.You can also be a positive a***hole. Hes worth 100m they paid a lot of money and he has to do it. In his last year at Spurs, he took every free-kick, he decided everything.Thats what he has to do [at Real]. I realise its difficult, because you have so many good players, but he should do it more.Van der Vaart, who played with Bale for two seasons from 2008 to 2010 – and also spent two seasons with Real Madrid – said even Cristiano Ronaldo bared his fair share of stick from the fans.

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He said: Gareth is an amazing player but hes a person that has to feel the confidence.He has to feel he is welcome. But I know Real is a difficult club if you dont perform. It doesnt matter if youre Ronaldo, Bale or Van der Vaart theyll throw you out after just one year.You have to deal with it and I dont know if he can do that. I know him as a person and, with a Spurs hat, I always hope hell say, Okay, Ill come back. I dont think its going to happen, but that would be a nice story.Van der Vaart is set to be at Spurs’ new stadium for the second test event at the new arena on Saturday.A host of White Hart Lane heroes are set to grace the pitch in the 1billion ground.
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