"What he's gone through over there in Madrid is appalling"

Robert Page, Wales national team head coach, has referred to the media attack on Gareth Bale as "a degrace" and he has said that what he has had to go through is "appalling".

The Welsh coach spoke to 'The Daily Mail' about Bale's situation at Real Madrid.

"It's a degrace", said Page about the media criticism the footballer has received. "What he goes through over there is appalling but that man has mental strength I haven't seen before. He is just the most positive bloke you will ever meet", said Page.

Page praised Bale's character and how he has helped to integrate younger players into the national team.

"When (Huddersfield winger) Sorba Thomas came in last November for the first time, I think the only time he had ever seen Gareth was when he was playing FIFA on his Xbox. But Gareth is there standing over him talking to him. Sorba's eyes were like saucers. He was blown away that Gareth had time to spend with him. Gareth is the most normal bloke you will ever meet. We are so lucky to have him", added the Wales manager.