Wales boss Rob Page has praised Real Madrid supporters for “showing class” with their ovation for five-time Champions League winner Gareth Bale.
The Welshman became the first British player to lift the Champions League on four occasions over the weekend. This came as Real Madrid beat Liverpool 1-0 in Paris.
Bale was an unused substitute in the final and he is leaving Madrid this summer when his contract expires.
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Bale has been targeted by Real fans and the Madrid media in recent seasons amid claims that he has been more interested in playing golf and for Wales, rather than for the 14-time European champions.
But Bale was cheered by Real Madrid fans when Carlo Ancelotti’s squad paraded the Champions League trophy at the Bernabeu on Sunday, and the 32-year-old responded by raising his hand in appreciation before signing autographs.
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“I thought they showed class and rightly so for what he’s achieved for that football club,” said Page, who revealed Bale had travelled to Wales’ training camp in Portugal before the squad flew to Poland for Wednesday’s Nations League opener.
“You look back to what he’s done, scoring winners in Champions League finals and in the manner in which he’s done it.
“What an achievement for him personally to be a part of that group of people, that team that’s achieved that, is phenomenal.
“Not many players can say they’ve done that, so credit to him. He deserves all the plaudits, absolutely.
“He’s in good spirits as he always is. He was adamant he was meeting the players in Portugal to fly to Poland with them, which speaks volumes.
“He wanted to be with the squad as soon as possible. He’s as humble as ever, he’s met up with the group and he’s been first class right away.”