Former Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United forward Dimitar Berbatov has criticised former teammate and Real Madrid star Gareth Bale after his recent antics on the bench.
Despite the Welshman being one of the highest-paid players at Los Blancos, the 31-year-old, who has had limited game time due to injury and a loss of form over the past few seasons, was pictured amusing himself while off the pitch as a substitute during Real's latest two matches, which caused controversy on social media.
Berbatov, who played alongside Bale at Spurs, was one of those who were appalled at his behaviour, and he believes the best solution for both parties is for the winger to leave the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the season.
"When I saw it, I couldn't believe it. I watched him put his mask over his eyes and pretend to be asleep," the 39-year-old said, as per AS.
"I cannot support that. It is unprofessional and disrespectful to Real Madrid.
"I love watching Bale play and I can feel his pain at not playing because I have been in the same situation. But that kind of reaction is going too far.
"Madrid need to find a solution to the Bale saga. I do feel his pain, I have been in his shoes of not playing and nobody is probably giving him any answers, then you are provoked to do those kinds of things, but I cannot support what he did.
"The only solution is for Bale to leave Real Madrid. If I was a Real Madrid fan and saw a player disrespecting the team like that, it would be too much.
"It was a show of power, it was if he was saying: 'Play me or I'll do whatever I want.' That doesn't sit right with me."
